Opening Ceremony

0:00:48 > 0:00:58What is this thing that enthralls us? A frozen world, but full of

0:00:58 > 0:01:04life, massive forces at play. Creativity, passion and delight.

0:01:04 > 0:01:14This is where sport, science and humanity collide. And the result is

0:01:14 > 0:01:19truly spectacular. There is the battle with gravity, those who wish

0:01:19 > 0:01:24to harness its pull, the search for aerodynamic and technical

0:01:24 > 0:01:29superiority, with speed the ultimate motivation. And those for whom

0:01:29 > 0:01:38gravity is the enemy. Safely down! Where the demand for spatial

0:01:38 > 0:01:42awareness and extra sensory perception is culpable - and

0:01:42 > 0:01:48beautiful. Wet ice is the battlefield, but competition is

0:01:48 > 0:01:56human. The energy is intense, it is combustible, unpredictable and

0:01:56 > 0:02:03utterly enthralling.

0:02:03 > 0:02:06utterly enthralling. This is a marriage of old and new, tradition

0:02:06 > 0:02:12and modernism, where memories of what has gone before shape what is

0:02:12 > 0:02:19to come. Sport, science and humanity collide. But this is a celebration

0:02:19 > 0:02:24of all three.

0:02:25 > 0:02:30of all three. Welcome to the Winter Olympics.

0:02:34 > 0:02:38Professor Brian Cox setting the scene for us with the formula for

0:02:38 > 0:02:44success, and it is more than being faster, higher or stronger - uni

0:02:44 > 0:02:47bravery, precision, flicks ability, and the ability to fly hopes! You

0:02:47 > 0:02:52also need the old slice of luck! This is Pyeongchang in South Korea,

0:02:52 > 0:02:59home of the 23rd Winter Olympics, and it promises to be both the most

0:02:59 > 0:03:02spectacular and the coldest ever. This morning the curtain rises on

0:03:02 > 0:03:08the latest episode of the greatest show on earth. Over the next 17

0:03:08 > 0:03:15days, the BBC will slide, skate and slalom across all our platforms as

0:03:15 > 0:03:19we bring you all the wonderful events on snow and ice. And this is

0:03:19 > 0:03:23where we are going to be based through the weeks ahead on BBC One

0:03:23 > 0:03:29and BBC Two. We have got a bit of a curling rink here, we've got teddy

0:03:29 > 0:03:35bears all over the place! Fabulous space! And I just love the delight

0:03:35 > 0:03:40of the Winter Olympics, all of the different sports, 15 different

0:03:40 > 0:03:44sports, 102 medal events, more than 3000 competitors, it's going to be

0:03:44 > 0:03:48sensational. And lots of questions I know you will have about the sports

0:03:48 > 0:03:52and the athletes, and you can get in touch with us. They're nine hours

0:03:52 > 0:03:58ahead in Korea and the Opening Ceremony is due to start at 8pm

0:03:58 > 0:04:05there time. And I have a panel of wonderful experts with me, Chemmy

0:04:05 > 0:04:09Alcott, four times Olympian, John Ely, Short track speed skater, who

0:04:09 > 0:04:14carried the flag four years ago in Sochi. And Amy Williams, who was our

0:04:14 > 0:04:18skeleton champion in Vancouver, and known as the Queen of speed. I

0:04:18 > 0:04:22wanted to ask you all, what do you think South Korea is going to be

0:04:22 > 0:04:26like as a venue for Alpine events?I have never been there, which is

0:04:26 > 0:04:32really exciting for me as a fan now, having retired. It is very unique

0:04:32 > 0:04:35because there is only the one track downhill, so the men start on the

0:04:35 > 0:04:39track and the women take over. For the men they want to make it really

0:04:39 > 0:04:42tough with really big jumps and brutal speeds. The women are going

0:04:42 > 0:04:46to have to contend with that afterwards, there is only so much

0:04:46 > 0:04:51you can do in a few days to get it ready for them, so a I can't wait!

0:04:51 > 0:04:54John, for Short track speed skating you couldn't get a bit of a new,

0:04:54 > 0:04:59could you?No, it is guide to be a real buzz in the arena, the crowd

0:04:59 > 0:05:02are really knowledgeable, it is one of their number one sports over

0:05:02 > 0:05:06there. It is going to be such a fantastic experience for our guys.

0:05:06 > 0:05:12Amy, what about the sliding track? Well, it is brand-new, it has been

0:05:12 > 0:05:16built just for these Games, the athletes have had just a World Cup

0:05:16 > 0:05:19last year and three weeks of training. It will be who can get up

0:05:19 > 0:05:23there and remember their notes from the previous year and who can learn

0:05:23 > 0:05:27the corners in the quickest time. It is a very challenging track with

0:05:27 > 0:05:34some steep uphills, some wonky lines of! Very technical! It is going to

0:05:34 > 0:05:37be interesting to see who can perform.So much to look forward to,

0:05:37 > 0:05:44and so much excitement ahead.

0:05:44 > 0:05:49and so much excitement ahead. Elise Christie is Britain's brightest hope

0:05:49 > 0:05:54of a gold-medal, and she has got unfinished business after the

0:05:54 > 0:05:56despair of disco litigation in Sochi. - Yarnold carries the flag

0:05:56 > 0:06:03for the biggest winter GB team ever assembled. We will discuss medal

0:06:03 > 0:06:08chances and the biggest names of the Games. And Matthew Pinsent takes the

0:06:08 > 0:06:13temperature in Korea in every aspect, looking at Russia, doping

0:06:13 > 0:06:16and the relationship between the South and the north. It's going to

0:06:16 > 0:06:20make headlines one way or another, isn't it? Let's start our education

0:06:20 > 0:06:24with a little bit of geography. If you take off from London it takes

0:06:24 > 0:06:29you about 11 hours to fly to Seoul, going over Russia and Mongolia and

0:06:29 > 0:06:34China. The population is 51 million and Pyeongchang is east of Seoul, it

0:06:34 > 0:06:38is not a city all resort, it is a region with about 40,000 people

0:06:38 > 0:06:44living there, popular in the summer for golf and walking and skiing in

0:06:44 > 0:06:47the winter. It is only about 50 miles from the border with North

0:06:47 > 0:06:52Korea. Back in 1958 Seoul hosted the Summer Games and it began with a

0:06:52 > 0:06:58memorable Opening Ceremony and among the stars for Team GB where Andy

0:06:58 > 0:07:03Holmes and Steve Redgrave is double breaststroke swimmer Adrian

0:07:03 > 0:07:07Moorhouse, who won gold, shooter Malcolm Cooper and the men's hockey

0:07:07 > 0:07:14team with Sean Curley, they won gold as well. And most famously, or

0:07:14 > 0:07:17infamously, Ben Johnson's disco litigation in the men's 100 metres.

0:07:17 > 0:07:22They've spent about $13 billion on these Games, which is cheap compared

0:07:22 > 0:07:28to Sochi - Russia spent 50 billion on that! The Opening Ceremony is

0:07:28 > 0:07:33only about half an hour away. Inside the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium will

0:07:33 > 0:07:38be doled medal winning figure skating champion from 1980 Robin

0:07:38 > 0:07:42Cousins and our master of ceremonies, John Hunt. Yes, welcome

0:07:42 > 0:07:47to the Olympic Stadium, it is getting quite chilly here. I am

0:07:47 > 0:07:50delighted to be with you tonight, Robin Cousins - what other

0:07:50 > 0:07:54components of a really good ceremony?Grandi, Pomp and

0:07:54 > 0:07:59circumstance, and for me the most important thing is that all the

0:07:59 > 0:08:02colour comes together when the athletes get their team gear on and

0:08:02 > 0:08:07get to stand out there as united Olympians and think about what

0:08:07 > 0:08:11they're going to do over the next two weeks!And we are willing the

0:08:11 > 0:08:15great British team on.Of course! How are they feeling?I think they

0:08:15 > 0:08:20are all ready to go, but there is nothing like it when you get to put

0:08:20 > 0:08:24the gear on for the first time and you realise that you are part of a

0:08:24 > 0:08:28united team, no matter what sport you're doing, getting out here. I

0:08:28 > 0:08:32think everyone is in great spirit, so far everything has been organised

0:08:32 > 0:08:36brilliantly, so let's hope that everybody, especially the Brits,

0:08:36 > 0:08:44have a great Games!Have you got your long johns on?

0:08:44 > 0:08:48your long johns on?I do, yes!And stand-by as well for an old

0:08:48 > 0:08:54favourite to sing along to later run! Do you think that means Gangnam

0:08:54 > 0:09:02Style?! It has got to be, hasn't it?! It is a horsey song, it is all

0:09:02 > 0:09:10about horses! It's going to be cult, and obviously, most Winter Olympics

0:09:10 > 0:09:15are cold, I think we got spoiled in Sochi with it being sunbathing

0:09:15 > 0:09:18temperatures did all they have got heated seats in the stadium - how

0:09:18 > 0:09:24much of an issue is it for athletes, did you go to opening ceremonies?I

0:09:24 > 0:09:29went to four Olympics and I only went to the one Opening Ceremony. I

0:09:29 > 0:09:32decided that psychologically, it being my last Games, I needed to go,

0:09:32 > 0:09:37I needed to feel part of it, it was bigger than me as an individual

0:09:37 > 0:09:43sport, I wanted to feel that five, but semi times the athletes don't

0:09:43 > 0:09:47go. What you don't see is that behind-the-scenes, you're standing

0:09:47 > 0:09:52there for hours like sardines. It's not very glamorous. And it is

0:09:52 > 0:09:55extremely cold which is not fantastic for the event.And John,

0:09:55 > 0:10:00you had the honour four years ago and you were voted for by your

0:10:00 > 0:10:04team-mates?Yes, that is a special part of it, getting to lead your

0:10:04 > 0:10:08team-mates out is such an honour and something - Yarnold said yesterday,

0:10:08 > 0:10:13it's not expect it and it's not something you dream about so when it

0:10:13 > 0:10:17comes along it's really special.And Amy Williams, you have done it at a

0:10:17 > 0:10:21closing ceremony?Yes, Vancouver, having won my gold, they wanted me

0:10:21 > 0:10:26to do it. When you walk into that Opening Ceremony, that is the moment

0:10:26 > 0:10:32that it hits you - I am an Olympian. You've watched it on to TV semi

0:10:32 > 0:10:36times and there you are behind the flag and the emotional hits you.

0:10:36 > 0:10:39It's just phenomenal. But if it is going to affect your performance, or

0:10:39 > 0:10:44your competition is really close, then you won't go and stand for

0:10:44 > 0:10:47hours and watch it - you have to make that choice.And the

0:10:47 > 0:10:53performance which earned you the right to be carrying that flag, this

0:10:53 > 0:10:56was you in Vancouver. You were talking about how the athletes will

0:10:56 > 0:11:01have to learn the track and get to know its personality?Yes, so, the

0:11:01 > 0:11:04athletes only will have trained for three days and they have got to

0:11:04 > 0:11:09learn 16 Corners. And the track here is brand-new so they don't know it

0:11:09 > 0:11:13very well, they will have their track notes from the previous year.

0:11:13 > 0:11:17I spoke to the coach this morning, and asked him about the track, and

0:11:17 > 0:11:23it is very unique. The top four faunas are already at 100km/h, so

0:11:23 > 0:11:31the drop and the gradient is really steep. -- the top four corners. They

0:11:31 > 0:11:35have that amazing push at the start, which our girls and guys are

0:11:35 > 0:11:41phenomenal at. And then perfecting the corners in the middle section,

0:11:41 > 0:11:46exiting the straight properly, and then it drops again into corner 15

0:11:46 > 0:11:52but the last corner is a really steep incline. If you make a mistake

0:11:52 > 0:11:56there you could lose a lot of vital time.There has been a lot of

0:11:56 > 0:12:01investment into skeleton as a sport, and rewarded with Alex Cooper, with

0:12:01 > 0:12:06you and - Yarnold following your tracks.Four years ago she was so

0:12:06 > 0:12:18dominant in all four runs, wasn't she? Yes, and I think

0:12:18 > 0:12:21she? Yes, and I think for -, she really loves the competition. She

0:12:21 > 0:12:26really wants to drive to get another medal, she wants to be the first

0:12:26 > 0:12:30Briton to get the two medals. She hasn't quite had the season she

0:12:30 > 0:12:34hoped for, but sometimes you have to play around with equipment,

0:12:34 > 0:12:38sometimes you might have just lost it a bit in the head. But she's

0:12:38 > 0:12:41strong, she's ready, her and Laura are both out there, they both have

0:12:41 > 0:12:47phenomenal starts and a great team and we know how to win in skeleton,

0:12:47 > 0:12:51we know the formula and we can produce.And she is a great big day

0:12:51 > 0:12:55performer and she has real presence, she looks like a champion when she

0:12:55 > 0:12:58walks in the room, and she will look like a champion tonight as she

0:12:58 > 0:13:03carries the flag. She's been talking about the honour of being selected,

0:13:03 > 0:13:07with Matthew Pinsent.

0:13:08 > 0:13:11So, you've been chosen as flag bearer - what kind of honour is

0:13:11 > 0:13:15that?It is an honour that I had never really thought about but it

0:13:15 > 0:13:19means so much as in the flag represents the whole team, and we as

0:13:19 > 0:13:23a team represent everyone in Great Britain who have watched us, who

0:13:23 > 0:13:28have supported us, you know, for our parents to watch us on the TV

0:13:28 > 0:13:36screen, our grandparents watching at home, that is THE moment, your skin

0:13:36 > 0:13:39tingles and the emotion begins.Did you fly here thinking it was a

0:13:39 > 0:13:43possibility that you could be flag bearer?I don't think I did think

0:13:43 > 0:13:47about it too much because I knew that I wanted to go to the Opening

0:13:47 > 0:13:50Ceremony regardless of whether I was the flag bearer or not, I wanted to

0:13:50 > 0:13:55be part of the team. We don't get here by ourselves and to march with

0:13:55 > 0:14:00the others, it is a really fantastic moment.It's going to be amazing. I

0:14:00 > 0:14:04think it will make her quite emotional as well. Can't wait for

0:14:04 > 0:14:06the Opening Ceremony, but, of course, the build-up to these Games

0:14:06 > 0:14:11has not just been about the athletes training hard, Katie Ormerod having

0:14:11 > 0:14:16her injury, which we will talk about in a moment, it has also been about

0:14:16 > 0:14:20doping and about Russia, were they in or out, and it has been about

0:14:20 > 0:14:24tensions between South Korea and North Korea - it is the most heavily

0:14:24 > 0:14:28patrolled border in the world. And taking on those issues, you need a

0:14:28 > 0:14:34man who can deal with anything, so here's Matthew again!

0:14:34 > 0:14:39Every edition of the Olympic Games is going to have its challenges, but

0:14:39 > 0:14:48it seems as if Pyeongchang is taking it to a whole new level.

0:14:49 > 0:14:53And let's be honest, relations with North Korea has been appalling.

0:14:53 > 0:14:58North Korea said they would send a delegation to the Winter games to

0:14:58 > 0:15:08compete. Are we on the eve of some Korean goodwill?I have been doing

0:15:08 > 0:15:12Korea for 30 years and I cannot recall a situation that was so

0:15:12 > 0:15:18danger is in the last if.The tension between South and North is

0:15:18 > 0:15:21becoming more sophisticated and a little bit dangers, especially for

0:15:21 > 0:15:28our side of the Korean peninsulas. All this reconciliation is not going

0:15:28 > 0:15:34to last long, because the United States would be deadly opposing, any

0:15:34 > 0:15:42kind of economic interaction between two Koreas.The Korean citizens has

0:15:42 > 0:15:47the same history we are one unity, one people, one Nation. We are

0:15:47 > 0:15:52rooting for both

0:15:53 > 0:15:57rooting for both teams, Korea and North.Questions in the rest of the

0:15:57 > 0:16:02world, including in Britain remain, about attending The Games at all.

0:16:02 > 0:16:06You have got to remember it is the athletes, they don't choose where

0:16:06 > 0:16:10The Games goes, it is the pinnacle of their career and they want to be

0:16:10 > 0:16:15here so it is up to us to make sure we are here as long as we can

0:16:15 > 0:16:18guarantee their safety.Another problem the Olympic authorities are

0:16:18 > 0:16:22having to deal with is that of Russia and their doping. This

0:16:22 > 0:16:28started at the last Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014, but recently, it

0:16:28 > 0:16:34has come to ahead.Russia has been banned from competing at next year's

0:16:34 > 0:16:38Winter Olympics in South Korea.It follows allegations state-sponsored

0:16:38 > 0:16:48doping. The arbitration for sport has upheld appeals from 28 of those

0:16:48 > 0:16:50banned Russian athletes, which leaves a lot of questions. The only

0:16:50 > 0:17:00person who can Ansah them is is the president of the IOC, Thomas backed.

0:17:00 > 0:17:04Do you have any regrets about the intervening four years and the way

0:17:04 > 0:17:12the IOC has handled this?No, we issued the toughest sanction which

0:17:12 > 0:17:17we can issue on an national Olympic Committee. This is the exclusion

0:17:17 > 0:17:22from the Olympic Games.But the IOC did clear 169 athletes, who they

0:17:22 > 0:17:29judged to be drug-free, they compete under an Olympic flag with neutral

0:17:29 > 0:17:34kit and the national anthem if they win.We gave a new and young

0:17:34 > 0:17:40generation of Russian athletes the opportunity to be invited, to show

0:17:40 > 0:17:47the Russians that it pays off to be clean.In one final chapter to the

0:17:47 > 0:17:51Russians trying to get to Pyeongchang, a further 32 athletes

0:17:51 > 0:17:57this week challenge their bands. But hours ahead of the opening ceremony,

0:17:57 > 0:18:03they were dismissed, stating the IOC were within their rights to block

0:18:03 > 0:18:07them from competing. No one is naive enough to think Winter Olympics is

0:18:07 > 0:18:12going to solve all the world's sporting or political problems, but

0:18:12 > 0:18:18with world-class events about to begin, hopefully we can all take a

0:18:18 > 0:18:2517 day break from them. I think that would be the wish. And

0:18:25 > 0:18:30the Olympic athletes from Russia is the fourth biggest team competing.

0:18:30 > 0:18:40USA being the biggest team, 241. Canada, 226. Switzerland, then OAR

0:18:40 > 0:18:45and

0:18:45 > 0:18:50and then Germany, Japan, South Africa and then Great Britain. We

0:18:50 > 0:18:55have lost Katie Ormerod, who one would have hoped would have been a

0:18:55 > 0:18:59chance for a medal?This is the nature of winter sport, everything

0:18:59 > 0:19:04they do is on the limit. There is a fine line between ultimate success

0:19:04 > 0:19:08and disaster. She is out there training, she has got to feel the

0:19:08 > 0:19:12speed of it but she judged it wrong and you see the consequences of it.

0:19:12 > 0:19:18My heart goes out for her because the most brutal timing.Fractured

0:19:18 > 0:19:24heel and she was operated on this morning. She put a photo up of the

0:19:24 > 0:19:29two pins that have gone in. Let's have a look at what she has showed.

0:19:29 > 0:19:36The poor thing, it is just desperate timing. She is looking cheery and I

0:19:36 > 0:19:44know winter athletes...She is young and she will be back. Let's focus on

0:19:44 > 0:19:51the positive, if there is one.Look at those screws, they are big. So no

0:19:51 > 0:19:55Katie Ormerod, let's take a look at some of the British athletes we hope

0:19:55 > 0:20:06can bring medals home with them. Weeks, months and years spent on ice

0:20:06 > 0:20:10just to disappear in a blur or an error. Elise Christie disqualified

0:20:10 > 0:20:18over all three speed essences in Sochi brought her close to quitting,

0:20:18 > 0:20:23but now a world record holder in them all. Drama doesn't always

0:20:23 > 0:20:29unfold a high speed. The slow story of curling glory grip is in 2002.

0:20:29 > 0:20:36Good Rhona Martin and team be followed by Eve Muirhead who were

0:20:36 > 0:20:40third last year? Upon the mountain, where an eagle once dead, nobody

0:20:40 > 0:20:46could jump like Eddie. But David Riding learned his craft in

0:20:46 > 0:20:52Lancashire and won a silver medal on the World Cup circuit last year.

0:20:52 > 0:20:57Andrew Musgrave made the spring quarter final, but skis, in his own

0:20:57 > 0:21:02words, like a tranquillised Badger. He is a more competitive

0:21:02 > 0:21:11cross-country animal this time. James Woods and Katie Summerhayes

0:21:11 > 0:21:17have one medal since Sochi. So success is expected from the style

0:21:17 > 0:21:23icons. Rocky times in British Bobsled, a sport used to bumps, but

0:21:23 > 0:21:30an outside medal from the four-man crews. Who can forget Lizzy Yarnold,

0:21:30 > 0:21:36four years on from her gold medal in Sochi, this time, head team-mate,

0:21:36 > 0:21:43Laura Deas has become faster. Lizzie has spent time away from the sport

0:21:43 > 0:21:47for reasons of choice and health, it has been a roller-coaster but this

0:21:47 > 0:21:55is her favourite part of the ride. I have brought loads of teddy bears

0:21:55 > 0:22:00back and that is what I have contributed. Elise Christie, we need

0:22:00 > 0:22:06to talk about the woman he was one of the big headlines from Sochi

0:22:06 > 0:22:09because of what didn't happen and what could happen this time,

0:22:09 > 0:22:13disqualified in three races four years ago?It was really tough for

0:22:13 > 0:22:17her and see it play out as a team-mate, I was trying to focus on

0:22:17 > 0:22:21my performance, but you could see the motion she was going through. It

0:22:21 > 0:22:26was hard and I can understand how she has had to come back from that.

0:22:26 > 0:22:29Seeing it unfolds and the guys around her at the time, it was

0:22:29 > 0:22:34difficult for the team. She has had some ups and downs, but most

0:22:34 > 0:22:38importantly she is going there as a world champion.Three World

0:22:38 > 0:22:42Championship gold medals and one of them was the overall title. I saw

0:22:42 > 0:22:46her last week and she told me, it was redemption. In her head she is

0:22:46 > 0:22:51saying no pressure, I have done it, I have proved myself the best in the

0:22:51 > 0:22:54world. Winter Olympics, she says she is doing for the fans, friends and

0:22:54 > 0:23:02family.I can see that, she has the love back for the sport. She said

0:23:02 > 0:23:07she found it difficult for the next 12 months after Sochi. But now she

0:23:07 > 0:23:11is enjoying herself. Some of the clips before, she talks about

0:23:11 > 0:23:14chatting to competitors and she is excited about these games and

0:23:14 > 0:23:22integrate plays. I cannot wait.I so want her to get something and the

0:23:22 > 0:23:27trouble is, Short Track Speed Skating is really random. This is

0:23:27 > 0:23:34her timetable. Saturday, tomorrow, she has 500 metres and then the

0:23:34 > 0:23:38quarterfinals, semifinals and the final, we hope, on Tuesday. That

0:23:38 > 0:23:41will be on our morning show.

0:23:41 > 0:23:46final, we hope, on Tuesday. That will be on our morning show.

0:23:46 > 0:23:50will be on our morning show. Then she switches to the 1500 metres. And

0:23:50 > 0:23:54then the 1000 metres, is her favourite, you would think? That'll

0:23:54 > 0:24:01be the last one?She would say the 500 metres because it is shorter and

0:24:01 > 0:24:05over and done with quickly, but the 1000 metres, she will be up for that

0:24:05 > 0:24:11one.She talks about learning to embrace failure. After she got

0:24:11 > 0:24:15disqualified from Sochi, she played safe in the World Cup and

0:24:15 > 0:24:20Championships after that, just get a medal, don't fall over. Now she goes

0:24:20 > 0:24:25to the edge again.You can see that in the way she talks in training,

0:24:25 > 0:24:29she is going to the game is looking to win. If you can win three gold

0:24:29 > 0:24:34medals, that is what she is going for. It will be amazing, history

0:24:34 > 0:24:40made. But she is going to compete and win and she has great

0:24:40 > 0:24:45competitors from Korea, China and Canada. She wants to push them.It's

0:24:45 > 0:24:48like Lindsey Vonn said, she does all or

0:24:48 > 0:24:50like Lindsey Vonn said, she does all or nothing?These iconic sports

0:24:50 > 0:24:56stars, a silver is almost failing. You cannot come back from the

0:24:56 > 0:24:58Olympics and be dissatisfied with the performance if you have

0:24:58 > 0:25:02competed. If you have gone and charged and gone for the gold and

0:25:02 > 0:25:07crushed out, it is so much better. Speaking Team Lindsey, she exudes, I

0:25:07 > 0:25:14am going to go and win or I will crash. She has to find the boundary

0:25:14 > 0:25:21of her limit and she will go towards it.Let's look at the areas Team GB

0:25:21 > 0:25:26are hoping to succeed and whether funding has gone. This is the best

0:25:26 > 0:25:27funded

0:25:27 > 0:25:29funding has gone. This is the best funded British Winter Olympic team.

0:25:29 > 0:25:36The target in curling, you can only get a maximum of two medals. We just

0:25:36 > 0:25:42missed qualification for the mixed event. Snowboarding, two, three

0:25:42 > 0:25:48medals. Skeleton, top eight or one medal?They are going after not

0:25:48 > 0:25:51quite desired performance of Lizzy Yarnold last year. But they are in

0:25:51 > 0:25:57the top seven positions.That is the best funded sport and a lot of money

0:25:57 > 0:26:04going into the technology behind it. Bobsled, and we hope will get a gold

0:26:04 > 0:26:09medal after the disqualification of two of the Russian teens. And Short

0:26:09 > 0:26:19Track, we would think they would come from Elise and Figure Skating.

0:26:19 > 0:26:32We also have two new members from BBC team and that is Jenny Jones

0:26:32 > 0:26:32We also have two new members from BBC team and that is Jenny Jones and

0:26:32 > 0:26:38Radzi Chinyanganya. Claire, thank you very much indeed. We might not

0:26:38 > 0:26:43be able to feel our cheeks, but the opening ceremony is just around the

0:26:43 > 0:26:51corner. I am joined by Jenny Jones. Katie Ormerod, gutting?I am

0:26:51 > 0:26:58devastated for her. She did her wrist and then her foot. She is 20

0:26:58 > 0:27:03years old, still a youngster. It is extreme sport and these things

0:27:03 > 0:27:10always happen.So in Beijing, she could be back?Absolutely.Four

0:27:10 > 0:27:16years ago, it was your magical moment?This was the day I put the

0:27:16 > 0:27:20medal around my neck and it was a proud moment. It is good to watch

0:27:20 > 0:27:28the other athletes compete.Now you are back as a pundit, how is that?

0:27:28 > 0:27:33Definitely less stress, but great to cheer them on.Coming up as the

0:27:33 > 0:27:37opening ceremony, the lights and the stadium but glorious, you were

0:27:37 > 0:27:42inside waving the Team GB flag, what was it like?Walking through those

0:27:42 > 0:27:47doors initially, then it opens up to a huge and magnificent stadium.

0:27:47 > 0:27:55Proud moment. We are very excited here, just a case of getting inside.

0:27:55 > 0:28:00I think you will have to dance right through to keep yourselves warned.

0:28:00 > 0:28:05Beautifully lit up, I think that is the sliding track on the top left

0:28:05 > 0:28:17with the lights.Ski Jumping.You can see the Ski Jumping definitely.

0:28:17 > 0:28:22This is the buzz. I know none of you are competing this time but do you

0:28:22 > 0:28:27still get excited?All the time, once an athlete, you are always an

0:28:27 > 0:28:31athlete. When I fly out there and Monday I am going to go to the

0:28:31 > 0:28:40track. Something inside of me will want me to grab somebody sled. I get

0:28:40 > 0:28:45so emotional when I watched different sports, when I watch my

0:28:45 > 0:28:50sport, there is something of you still there.You almost hope when

0:28:50 > 0:28:54you retire you can suppress the addiction to Adrenaline, but you

0:28:54 > 0:28:59can't. Amy and I have become mothers, but it is still there.We

0:28:59 > 0:29:04are going to feel the excitement as we build up to The Games starting

0:29:04 > 0:29:07with the opening ceremony. We will hand you over to South Korea and

0:29:07 > 0:29:15Robin Cousins with John Hunt. A very warm welcome to the Olympic

0:29:15 > 0:29:20Stadium, Pyeongchang. We are almost set to go, Robin Cousins watching

0:29:20 > 0:29:24alongside me. I know it is cold outside and security queues are long

0:29:24 > 0:29:27getting in, I would have thought the stadium would have been packed by

0:29:27 > 0:29:33now, but it is not?There are a few empty seats. There is an empty

0:29:33 > 0:29:37chunk, which we presume are reserved for the athletes when they come in.

0:29:37 > 0:29:42It has filled in the last 15, 20 minutes quite dramatically. It is

0:29:42 > 0:29:45going to be very cold out there, but we have been told the seats are

0:29:45 > 0:29:52heated.It wasn't a particularly cold day, it was only just in minus

0:29:52 > 0:29:58territory. When we arrived last week it was minus 20. They said it might

0:29:58 > 0:30:08get warmer?Supposedly, we will see. We don't want the ice to melt.

0:30:08 > 0:30:14Claire was right, that was the ice Centre and the sliding track. So

0:30:14 > 0:30:20much to look forward to as the light strop and we take you on a journey.

0:30:20 > 0:30:26Time travel, very much one of the themes tonight and you will see all

0:30:26 > 0:30:31the Winter games depicted on this bit of tape, ending with Pyeongchang

0:30:31 > 0:30:37and those of you with eagle eyes will no

0:30:37 > 0:30:51will no doubt spot Unichem holding the poster.We took about the

0:30:51 > 0:30:56content of the show and how it is taking place. The stadium was built

0:30:56 > 0:30:59specifically for these games. It combines a combination of different

0:30:59 > 0:31:05geometric shapes which represents heaven, earth and mankind,

0:31:05 > 0:31:10respectively. Immers presents harmony and convergence which is the

0:31:10 > 0:31:18founding ideals of traditional Korean values.Some important

0:31:18 > 0:31:26landmarks. People wait with great anticipation for the opening of the

0:31:26 > 0:31:32Winter games 2018.

0:31:33 > 0:31:40Silence across the stadium, darkness, and here we go, the

0:31:40 > 0:31:49countdown, then, upon us. This is the Bell of Peace, the bell of the

0:31:49 > 0:31:57Sangwon Temple, and according to legend the sound of this bell

0:31:57 > 0:32:01brought peace.

0:32:10 > 0:32:11COUNTDOWN

0:32:16 > 0:32:24BELL SOUNDS

0:32:27 > 0:32:37The stage turns completely to ice.

0:32:37 > 0:32:44There's those shots again, the vented in shape, the Olympic rings

0:32:44 > 0:32:50let up, with the Sliding Center in the background. Fireworks already

0:32:50 > 0:32:55away.

0:32:59 > 0:33:06away. 35,000 expect to do the in here.We were walking over the

0:33:06 > 0:33:11bridges to come to the venue, and the firework blocks were frozen into

0:33:11 > 0:33:16the river.

0:33:16 > 0:33:24the river.So, as I say, a journey, five children we will see throughout

0:33:24 > 0:33:28the night tonight, travelling from the past to future, as they learn

0:33:28 > 0:33:33about the history and culture of their land and find answers to the

0:33:33 > 0:33:40question of peace, following their journey as they discover peace.A

0:33:40 > 0:33:48place where nature and people live in harmony.

0:33:58 > 0:34:05ROBIN COUSINS: Each child representing one of the five

0:34:05 > 0:34:10elements, fire,

0:34:11 > 0:34:18elements, fire, water, wood and Earth, which are believed to make up

0:34:18 > 0:34:31the universe. JOHN HUNT: Images of 22 Korean

0:34:31 > 0:34:41treasures.

0:34:44 > 0:34:53The sundial. The guilt bronze incense burner. And children filled

0:34:53 > 0:34:58with wonderment.

0:35:12 > 0:35:15The Four Guardians coming to life, we will see them on the stage

0:35:15 > 0:35:32shortly. All symbolic of the ancient Koreans' hope for par. That White

0:35:32 > 0:35:39Tiger will lead the children, now, in front of the thousands here in

0:35:39 > 0:35:47the stadium, on the first leg of their journey. I can tell you a

0:35:47 > 0:35:50little bit about the children here. As you say, Robin, they represent

0:35:50 > 0:35:59the various elements.And the colours of the five children's

0:35:59 > 0:36:07costumes also symbolise the elements, fire, water, wood, metal

0:36:07 > 0:36:15and Earth.

0:36:15 > 0:36:23and Earth.Puri in blue and Nuri in yellow...Also representing and

0:36:23 > 0:36:30symbolising the five colours of the Olympic Rings.The tiger makes its

0:36:30 > 0:36:39way to the centre of the stage.

0:36:39 > 0:36:47way to the centre of the stage. They transform into the mountain range

0:36:47 > 0:36:56which begins at Mount Baekdu, the very backbone of the region.

0:37:06 > 0:37:14The White Tiger and the children to be joined now by a vast array of

0:37:14 > 0:37:24wonderful animals and plants, of land and water. Wild bore, deer,

0:37:24 > 0:37:34flowers, butterflies.

0:38:39 > 0:38:49And now, week get our first look at a character from the creation myth,

0:38:49 > 0:38:58and according to the myth she was a bear but after praying for 100 days

0:38:58 > 0:39:05she became a woman and gave birth to a son, the founder of the Korean

0:39:05 > 0:39:14nation.

0:39:14 > 0:39:21nation. Her name is Ung-nyeo. Two additional characters join the

0:39:21 > 0:39:30stage, the Phoenix and the curious half man, half bird. The Phoenix, a

0:39:30 > 0:39:37mythical animal. A bird that lives 1000 years and flies between heaven

0:39:37 > 0:39:44and earth. The Koreans believe that the Phoenix would appear only during

0:39:44 > 0:39:54peaceful times have.

0:41:01 > 0:41:11The image for you at home pretty spectacular, and it would be fair to

0:41:11 > 0:41:22say less so in the stadium, we can't appreciate the effect.

0:41:31 > 0:41:36And time for some formal introductions. Firstly, the

0:41:36 > 0:41:46president, Moon Jae-in. Moon Jae-in was sworn in following his victory

0:41:46 > 0:41:54in 2017, the election, to replace the country's first female

0:41:54 > 0:41:59president, who was impeached at the time, the less said about that, the

0:41:59 > 0:42:05better, I suppose. And with President Moon Jae-in, Thomas Bach,

0:42:05 > 0:42:15the president of the IOC.

0:42:15 > 0:42:22the president of the IOC. The children look pleased to see him!

0:42:22 > 0:42:30And of course we will hear from both of them later on.

0:42:30 > 0:42:32of them later on. President Moon Jae-in, actually the son of North

0:42:32 > 0:42:40Korean refugees. He took office at a time of great tensions bridged to an

0:42:40 > 0:42:44extent still persist today. Despite the theme of unification between

0:42:44 > 0:42:51north and south to Robin?Well, certainly the audience here are

0:42:51 > 0:42:54crying at the fact that unification is happening in this stadium

0:42:54 > 0:43:00tonight, with this ceremony.

0:43:03 > 0:43:05tonight, with this ceremony. And a longer-term truce is expected and

0:43:05 > 0:43:09hoped for, but certainly the crowd here feel very honoured and blessed

0:43:09 > 0:43:16that these two great countries are coming together.

0:43:19 > 0:43:26coming together.And the athletes of north and south will be parading

0:43:26 > 0:43:31together in the Parade Of Athletes, which will begin fairly shortly.

0:43:31 > 0:43:36More lovely

0:43:38 > 0:43:39More lovely shots and great anticipation of great competition

0:43:39 > 0:43:45over the next two weeks.

0:43:58 > 0:44:02The stage is being read set, and from what I can see from here, it is

0:44:02 > 0:44:07going to be worth the wait!I think after a gentle start, Robin, I think

0:44:07 > 0:44:13it is fair to say that things get a little bit more lively now, as we

0:44:13 > 0:44:21move to a stage of the evening called the Light From The Beginning.

0:44:21 > 0:44:28And we will hear the sound of janggo. Many of you will remember

0:44:28 > 0:44:38the use of drums from the Beijing Games in 2008. So, the janggo drums

0:44:38 > 0:44:44appear centrestage. The drummers express the life force and the

0:44:44 > 0:44:54balance between the two opposing forces... Spectators tonight were

0:44:54 > 0:45:00given a little drum to justice participate in this part of the

0:45:00 > 0:45:09evening. The janggo is a traditional drum and the left and right side of

0:45:09 > 0:45:14the drum are covered with different leathers to produce different

0:45:14 > 0:45:18sounds.

0:45:46 > 0:45:51RYTHMIC DRUMBEAT

0:47:17 > 0:47:24that is always going to be popular. The transformation between blue and

0:47:24 > 0:47:33red, the Ying and Yang.

0:47:40 > 0:47:45The South Korean flag.

0:47:45 > 0:47:51Ladies and gentlemen, the national flag of the Republic of Korea.

0:47:52 > 0:48:00The flag will now be paraded. Carried by eight very popular

0:48:00 > 0:48:17sporting Korean figures. Some very young.

0:48:38 > 0:48:48Jin Sun-yu, a three-time gold medallist from 2006.

0:48:55 > 0:49:00Pak Se-ri, the golfer. Still a symbol of hope to many Koreans. He

0:49:00 > 0:49:07is the Korean coach to the golf team. Officiated in that role in Rio

0:49:07 > 0:49:16games.

0:49:16 > 0:49:32games. Lee Seung-ye, baseball. 41 years of age, legend in baseball.

0:49:34 > 0:49:37Hwang Young-jo, from the sport of marathon running. Doesn't look like

0:49:37 > 0:49:49he has done it for a while. Barcelona medallist.

0:49:52 > 0:50:08Also, the first female Olympic medallist in golf.

0:50:14 > 0:50:27Lim O-kyeon, Gold medallist in Athens, getting a great reception.

0:50:27 > 0:50:34And Ha Hyeong-ju, from the world of judo. He was the gold medallist in

0:50:34 > 0:50:45Los Angeles in 1984.

0:50:46 > 0:50:52The costumes they are wearing are based on the traditional Korean

0:50:52 > 0:50:59winter attire. Very effective, don't you think?They look absolutely

0:50:59 > 0:51:04wonderful.

0:51:05 > 0:51:11wonderful.Handing over now to The Traditional Guard of Honour. They

0:51:11 > 0:51:18were created following the tradition of royal bodyguards who protected

0:51:18 > 0:51:30and escorted the King. A function, ordinarily conducted at state

0:51:30 > 0:51:36ceremonies.

0:51:48 > 0:51:51TRANSLATION: Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the national anthem

0:51:51 > 0:51:55of the Republic of Korea, performed by the Rainbow

0:51:55 > 0:52:01Children's Choir.

0:52:01 > 0:52:10The rain bow choir was founded in 2009 with 75 children from

0:52:10 > 0:52:17multicultural families. They will now saying the national anthem to

0:52:17 > 0:52:24send out a message of harmony through their music.

0:52:37 > 0:52:45# Donghae mulgwa baegdusan-i maleugo dalhdolog

0:52:45 > 0:52:53# haneunim-i bouhasa ulinala manse mugunghwa samcheonli hwalyeogangsan

0:53:00 > 0:53:08# daehansalam daehan-eulo gil-i bojeonhase

0:53:11 > 0:53:17# namsan wie jeo sonamu cheolgab-eul duleun deus

0:53:17 > 0:53:25# balamseoli bulbyeonham-eun uli gisang-ilse

0:53:44 > 0:53:49The early part of this ceremony. Now the centrepiece, for much of the

0:53:49 > 0:54:02next hour the parade of athletes.

0:54:04 > 0:54:06TRANSLATION: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the athletes

0:54:06 > 0:54:14of the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games!

0:54:23 > 0:54:28Nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide expected to watch The Games.

0:54:28 > 0:54:32Traditionally, Greece begin the parade, home of the Olympic

0:54:32 > 0:54:37movement. They always had the parade and they are represented by four

0:54:37 > 0:54:47athletes, two Alpine Skiing is an two Cross-Country Skiing is.

0:54:47 > 0:54:52Officials of course, war with the athletes as well.

0:54:56 > 0:55:10This is quite a character from Ghana.

0:55:10 > 0:55:13Ghana. He has been waiting for this moment for so long. He went to the

0:55:13 > 0:55:21Netherlands as a youngster and his wish was to, in track and field,

0:55:21 > 0:55:31become an athlete the Netherlands. He is making them best of his moment

0:55:31 > 0:55:41in the limelight.

0:55:41 > 0:55:46in the limelight. Nigeria, their flag

0:55:46 > 0:55:50flag bearer is from the sports of bobsleigh. Of course, that is the

0:55:50 > 0:55:59big headline here. It will be the first African bobsleigh team to

0:55:59 > 0:56:09appear at a Winter Olympics.

0:56:11 > 0:56:17Zapata, they appeared in the 1960 Winter Olympics, but didn't return

0:56:17 > 0:56:28until the end of apartheid in 1994. -- South Africa.

0:56:28 > 0:56:35He is studying in the United States of America. He finished 54th in the

0:56:35 > 0:56:43giant slalom in last year's championships. The Netherlands,

0:56:43 > 0:56:50Sochi sold them win their best ever tally. One of those medals came in

0:56:50 > 0:56:57long track speed skating. A tally of 23 medals, including eight of the 12

0:56:57 > 0:57:07gold medals on offer. They have 105 gold medals in long track Speed

0:57:07 > 0:57:16Skating.

0:57:16 > 0:57:22Skating. Here come Norway. The most prolific of all the Winter Olympic

0:57:22 > 0:57:31nations, they have won more medals than any other. 329. Their flag

0:57:31 > 0:57:43bearer is a four-time gold medallist.

0:57:52 > 0:58:00The King of Biathlon was hoping to qualify for Pyeongchang aged 44, but

0:58:00 > 0:58:06he failed the selection.

0:58:06 > 0:58:13New Zealand, at the 2006 Olympics, their tally of medals ranked them

0:58:13 > 0:58:17third in the world behind Granada and the Bahamas. New Zealand came

0:58:17 > 0:58:24agonisingly close to a second ever Olympic medal in such you with Josie

0:58:24 > 0:58:38Wells finishing fourth. He is one of four brothers.

0:58:38 > 0:58:48four brothers. They were all hoping to represent their country here, but

0:58:48 > 0:58:56only three of them. Denmark have only ever won one Winter Olympic

0:58:56 > 0:59:03medal in history. Full marks if you remember the women's curling team

0:59:03 > 0:59:13from 1998.

0:59:16 > 0:59:23Yet there summer Olympics tally is 193. Germany, 154 in strength, they

0:59:23 > 0:59:28sit third on the all-time Winter Olympic leaders medal. Watch of

0:59:28 > 0:59:34course for the sliders.

0:59:38 > 0:59:44course for the sliders. Luge starts tomorrow.

0:59:44 > 0:59:47tomorrow. Their flag bearer has won the last five overall World Cup

0:59:47 > 0:59:57titles.

1:00:22 > 1:00:24There were nearly 100,000 applications to volunteer at these

1:00:24 > 1:00:30Olympics are. One

1:00:31 > 1:00:33Olympics are. One athlete here, A5 our flight from Sydney, to the

1:00:33 > 1:00:38north-west of Australia. And this is their Alpine skier carrying the flag

1:00:38 > 1:00:42for them, once again, their only representative. He has great tales

1:00:42 > 1:00:47to tell when he appeared in Sochi and more importantly when he

1:00:47 > 1:00:50returned home, treated like a king, he said! Government ministers

1:00:50 > 1:00:58falling over themselves to greet him, and Miss Timor as well took an

1:00:58 > 1:01:06interest! Latvia next, a strong nation, a team of 34. Enjoyed their

1:01:06 > 1:01:11best ever Winter Olympics in Sochi four years ago, getting four medals.

1:01:11 > 1:01:24Their skeleton star was the standout name, but he was beaten by a

1:01:24 > 1:01:29Canadian in Sochi.

1:01:41 > 1:01:49Lebanon next, their flag bearer is a cross-country skier.

1:01:49 > 1:01:51cross-country skier. Lebanon's representation has almost

1:01:51 > 1:01:58exclusively come in Alpine skiing. And two of their three strong team

1:01:58 > 1:02:08in Korea are Alpine skiers.

1:02:08 > 1:02:14Next, the largest of the bulk in countries, Romania. 50 years ago in

1:02:14 > 1:02:20Grenoble, Romania, despite appearing at all but two Winter Olympics, won

1:02:20 > 1:02:32their solitary medal and it came in the two-man bob. They have not got

1:02:32 > 1:02:42anywhere near the podium since.

1:02:42 > 1:02:45anywhere near the podium since. So many youngsters carrying the flag,

1:02:45 > 1:02:58and Luxembourg is a case in point, this is an 18-year-old Alpine

1:02:58 > 1:03:03this is an 18-year-old Alpine skier, Matthieu Osch.

1:03:21 > 1:03:25Lithuania next, the largest and most southerly of the three Baltic

1:03:25 > 1:03:31republics, it was the first Republic to break away from the Soviet Union

1:03:31 > 1:03:36in March 1990 and their national sport is basket all. They won bronze

1:03:36 > 1:03:41medals in that sport on three occasions. When you have yet to win

1:03:41 > 1:03:45a Winter Olympic medal, although they did win four the Summer

1:03:45 > 1:03:55Olympics in Rio.

1:03:55 > 1:04:01Olympics in Rio. Lichtenstein, and their Alpine skier looks a good bet

1:04:01 > 1:04:05to banish her Winter Olympic demons with a debut medal here in South

1:04:05 > 1:04:09Korea. She has missed the last two Games through injury, the second of

1:04:09 > 1:04:17which came during a training run at the Sochi Olympics but she did win

1:04:17 > 1:04:21Super-G silver in the championships in summer rates are. Her parents

1:04:21 > 1:04:28have a CV which includes eight World Cup crystal globes, 39 World Cup

1:04:28 > 1:04:33wins, five World Championship titles and two Olympic golds. No pressure

1:04:33 > 1:04:40there, then, to! Madagascar, one of several countries represented by

1:04:40 > 1:04:47just one athlete. And this is their Alpine skier. She will be their

1:04:47 > 1:04:54first ever Winter Olympic athlete, and only their second winter

1:04:54 > 1:05:02Olympian ever. ROBIN COUSINS: Malaysia next, and it

1:05:02 > 1:05:07is their figure skater who is carrying the flag, and this is their

1:05:07 > 1:05:12Winter Olympics debut in Pyeongchang. As a 12-year-old boy,

1:05:12 > 1:05:17he was sent to a figure skating camp right here in Pyeongchang. Is older

1:05:17 > 1:05:21brother is also a figure skater and his mother became president of the

1:05:21 > 1:05:26figure Skating Association to make sure that her children could train

1:05:26 > 1:05:30properly, and I saw her face when he qualified last summer at Games, and

1:05:30 > 1:05:40it was a picture!Nice story as well about Mexico, the Alpine skier has

1:05:40 > 1:05:44an interesting story to tell. She competed for the United States at

1:05:44 > 1:05:48four Winter Olympics with a best finish of tenth in the slalom in

1:05:48 > 1:05:55Turin in 2006. Now she is 38 and out of retirement, this time

1:05:55 > 1:06:03representing the homeland of her husband. Monaco, well, the Prince of

1:06:03 > 1:06:07Monaco represented his country in the bobsleigh in five Winter

1:06:07 > 1:06:11Olympics dreamed 9088 and 2002, his best finish was 25th and that was in

1:06:11 > 1:06:16the two-man event. His last appearance, insult like city, came

1:06:16 > 1:06:20just three years before he succeeded his father to become Monaco's

1:06:20 > 1:06:32reigning monarch. Morocco and their team includes the first Alpine skier

1:06:32 > 1:06:35representing an African nation to win gold at the Winter youth Olympic

1:06:35 > 1:06:42Games. He did that by claiming victory at the Super-G in 2012 in

1:06:42 > 1:06:46Innsbruck. He was born to a Moroccan father and a Canadian mother and has

1:06:46 > 1:06:55dual citizenship in both countries. Montenegro. Entering the stage now,

1:06:55 > 1:06:58as Gangnam Style Blair is out. We know that would crop up somewhere

1:06:58 > 1:07:06along the line, Robin!It had to come!

1:07:06 > 1:07:14come! -- blares out.More than 3 million people on Youtube have

1:07:14 > 1:07:23watched and enjoyed Gangnam Style. So, Montenegro through and next,

1:07:23 > 1:07:32Moldova. Their cross-country skier, who has competed in both biathlon

1:07:32 > 1:07:41and cross-country skiing, the flag bearer, Nicolae Gaiduc. He is

1:07:41 > 1:07:48unlikely to deliver a medal in the next two weeks! Similarly, Malta,

1:07:48 > 1:07:57with one representative, their Alpine skier, carrying the flag.

1:07:57 > 1:08:00Malta's only Winter Olympics, who made her debut four years ago and

1:08:00 > 1:08:09she competes in this love them -- competes in the slalom and the giant

1:08:09 > 1:08:17slalom. Mongolia next. Despite appearing in 13 Winter Olympics they

1:08:17 > 1:08:21are yet to win a medal. They have won 26 in the Summer Games,

1:08:21 > 1:08:31including two in Rio in 2016. Mongolia has a population of 3

1:08:31 > 1:08:39million,which is in stark contrast to the next team to enter the stage

1:08:39 > 1:08:43- 326 million, the latest population of the United States of America.

1:08:43 > 1:08:48Their flag

1:08:50 > 1:08:52Their flag bearer is a luger, the forth from that sport to have the

1:08:52 > 1:08:55honour. She is getting married this year as well. Snowboarder Shaun

1:08:55 > 1:09:02White will attempt to win a third halfpipe title, and he is in form,

1:09:02 > 1:09:06having been awarded only the second ever perfect score in competition

1:09:06 > 1:09:11last month. Chloe came is the women's snowboarding's answer to

1:09:11 > 1:09:16Shaun White. Despite being aged just 17 she is sure to get a fantastic

1:09:16 > 1:09:21reception given that both of her parents come from Korea. Lindsey

1:09:21 > 1:09:25Vonn is back, having missed Sochi through injury. She warmed up for

1:09:25 > 1:09:29Pyeongchang with three consecutive World Cup victories, the last of

1:09:29 > 1:09:33which came in early February in Germany. And in Michaela Shifrin,

1:09:33 > 1:09:38they have an incredible talent who four years ago in Sochi became the

1:09:38 > 1:09:41youngest ever female slalom Olympic champion and is being tipped to win

1:09:41 > 1:09:48a host of medals in Pyeongchang. Their previous best medal haul came

1:09:48 > 1:09:58in 2010. Here is Bermuda, one athlete.

1:09:58 > 1:10:02athlete. And this is Tucker Murphy. He went to Oxford University. He did

1:10:02 > 1:10:08a Masters degree in zoology there. Quite an outfit as well, Robin!

1:10:08 > 1:10:14Brave in this weather, I have to say! But what else would you expect

1:10:14 > 1:10:20from a man from Bermuda, wearing shorts!Belgium next, other team has

1:10:20 > 1:10:28tripled in size from four years ago and they're laid out by the reigning

1:10:28 > 1:10:35snowboarding slopestyle world champion Seppe Smits.

1:10:40 > 1:10:42champion Seppe Smits. Belarus, they've only ever won six old

1:10:42 > 1:10:49medals, five of them in Sochi, four years ago. An improving nation,

1:10:49 > 1:10:58perhaps. Led out by the biathlete who is the standout name in their

1:10:58 > 1:11:07team. Also keep an eye out for the Belarussian delegation for Ole Einar

1:11:07 > 1:11:14Bjorndalen, the Norwegian, the most decorated winter Olympic athlete of

1:11:14 > 1:11:17all time who was not selected for Norway who will coach his wife and

1:11:17 > 1:11:26the other Belarussian athletes. Bosnia and Herzegovina, the flag

1:11:26 > 1:11:37bearer is an 18-year-old Alpine skier, Elvedina Muzaferija.

1:11:37 > 1:11:49Bolivia's flag bearer, 30 years on from Eddie The Eagle

1:11:49 > 1:11:55from Eddie The Eagle Edwards, is Simon Breitfuss Kammerlande, and

1:11:55 > 1:12:00like Eddie, he lives in a motorhome a lot of the time as he is driven

1:12:00 > 1:12:10around to complete.

1:12:11 > 1:12:19Bulgaria, they have been hogging the ski cross headlines

1:12:19 > 1:12:22ski cross headlines this season through their rock and roll

1:12:22 > 1:12:27competitor.

1:12:33 > 1:12:38Now, Brazil, who had to their first Games since they hosted Rio a couple

1:12:38 > 1:12:48of years ago. Cross-country skier Victors Santos, who hails from the

1:12:48 > 1:12:54favelas of Sao Paulo.

1:13:11 > 1:13:21San Marino next.

1:13:31 > 1:13:41Serbia's flag bearer is their Alpine skier, who is competing in her third

1:13:41 > 1:13:46Winter Olympics, Nevena Ighjatovic. Four years ago she finished 28th in

1:13:46 > 1:13:56the giant slalom.

1:14:00 > 1:14:06Sweden next. Stockholm was an original bidder for the 2022 Winter

1:14:06 > 1:14:18Olympics, but later pulled out of the race.

1:14:23 > 1:14:26Charlotte Kerwood overhaul and UPS and as Sweden's most successful

1:14:26 > 1:14:33Winter Olympics of the flag bearer is from the men's curling team.

1:14:33 > 1:14:39Switzerland, and their flag bearer is three-time Olympian and gold

1:14:39 > 1:14:47medallist Dario, cross-country skier. Watch out, though, over the

1:14:47 > 1:14:52next

1:14:55 > 1:15:00next fortnight for "Ipod", who upset the great Shaun White in Sochi. He

1:15:00 > 1:15:09will be hoping to recover and bounce back from a crash in the X games to

1:15:09 > 1:15:20take the title in South Korea.

1:15:25 > 1:15:39Here comes Spain. They caused a major upset in the men's slalom in

1:15:39 > 1:15:471982. Their only other Winter Olympic medal was 20 years later in

1:15:47 > 1:15:55the slalom, a bronze. But the person they will be looking for this time

1:15:55 > 1:15:57is Javier Hernandez who finished fourth in Sochi. They will be

1:15:57 > 1:16:06looking to get on the podium in Pyeongchang, and he said it will be

1:16:06 > 1:16:16his last performance. Spain, followed by Slovakia.

1:16:25 > 1:16:30Their flag bearer has just come back from injury and only completed one

1:16:30 > 1:16:38race in January.

1:16:38 > 1:16:49race in January. Slavonia is next. The giant slalom competition, was

1:16:49 > 1:16:57their first ever Winter Olympic Games.

1:16:57 > 1:17:01Games. The cross country skier, Vesna Fabjan carries the flag.

1:17:01 > 1:17:04Another country making its debut here are to Pyeongchang in the

1:17:04 > 1:17:14Winter games and that is Singapore. They have a Short Track skater

1:17:14 > 1:17:18carrying their flag. One of six countries making their debut in

1:17:18 > 1:17:22Pyeongchang. The 18-year-old has lived in Canada since she was aged

1:17:22 > 1:17:27four.

1:17:28 > 1:17:37four.Mania next. They have the latest in a dynasty of Cross-Country

1:17:37 > 1:17:42Skiing is.

1:17:55 > 1:17:59More than half of Argentina's all-time Winter Olympic

1:17:59 > 1:18:03representatives have come in Alpine Skiing. The most famous name on the

1:18:03 > 1:18:09list is the

1:18:09 > 1:18:12list is the retired four-time Olympic champion. The flag bearer is

1:18:12 > 1:18:19skier, Sebastiano Gastaldi.

1:18:19 > 1:18:22skier, Sebastiano Gastaldi. Iceland became the smallest nation to

1:18:22 > 1:18:25qualify for football World Cup when they booked their spot at this

1:18:25 > 1:18:32summerglobal gathering. Haven't seen any of their famously noisy

1:18:32 > 1:18:37supporters around Pyeongchang. Their team is only five strong at Sochi

1:18:37 > 1:18:44four years ago. The class of 2018 is similarly small with just five

1:18:44 > 1:18:49athletes once again.

1:18:52 > 1:18:55athletes once again. Welcome to Ireland. Great to see them and their

1:18:55 > 1:19:01flag bearer, snowboarder, Seamus O'Connor, who has lived in the

1:19:01 > 1:19:07United States his whole life. He is the only seasoned Olympian of the

1:19:07 > 1:19:16Irish team of five. He competed in Sochi aged just 16. Azerbaijan 180

1:19:16 > 1:19:20medals at the Rio summer Olympics but they have yet to win one at the

1:19:20 > 1:19:25Winter Olympics. Their biggest Winter Olympic team was four

1:19:25 > 1:19:31athletes they took to the 1998 and 2002 games. It is a lonely affair

1:19:31 > 1:19:37for the sole representative, the Alpine skier, Patrick Brachner. He

1:19:37 > 1:19:43originally hails from Austria but switched to Azerbaijan in 2010.

1:19:43 > 1:19:47Andorra, tiny principality located in the high mountains of the

1:19:47 > 1:19:52Pyrenees between France and Spain. An estimated 10 million people visit

1:19:52 > 1:19:58every year, drawn especially by the Winter sports scene. Their flag

1:19:58 > 1:20:05bearer is a cross-country skier, who competed in the World Championships

1:20:05 > 1:20:12in Finland.

1:20:12 > 1:20:16in Finland. Albania's flag bearer is the first winter Olympian at the

1:20:16 > 1:20:22Sochi games and her best finish was 60th in the giant slalom. So

1:20:22 > 1:20:29probably won't get anywhere near the podium this time.

1:20:29 > 1:20:35podium this time. Eritrea, this is their first ever Olympian in the

1:20:35 > 1:20:44Winter games. He competes in the men's giant slalom and slalom. 21

1:20:44 > 1:20:50years old, raised in Alberta, Canada but represented Eritrea in the 2012

1:20:50 > 1:20:55youth Olympics. His parents fled Eritrea in the 1980s and he talks

1:20:55 > 1:21:00about meeting his absolute

1:21:02 > 1:21:08about meeting his absolute idol. Estonia is next. All absorbing the

1:21:08 > 1:21:11sad news of the Katie Ormerod, who misses out for Great Britain.

1:21:11 > 1:21:19Arguably the biggest hope for Estonia will not be here in

1:21:23 > 1:21:28Estonia will not be here in winter -- Pyeongchang.

1:21:30 > 1:21:36-- Pyeongchang. We welcome Ecuador to the stage. Their flag bearer is

1:21:36 > 1:21:43known as the tarmac skier, given his training is done on roller skis. He

1:21:43 > 1:21:49created the Ecuadorian ski Federation from scratch and he will

1:21:49 > 1:21:54be in action week from today. We welcome Great Britain. Lizzy

1:21:54 > 1:22:00Yarnold, Skeleton hero from Sochi. What a moment, looking to defend her

1:22:00 > 1:22:06title, despite an inconsistent season. She won in Sochi by nearly a

1:22:06 > 1:22:11second. Freestyle Skiing, James Ward, Katie Summerhayes, here with

1:22:11 > 1:22:17her sister Molly, who works in McDonald's. Lizzie Atkin, all

1:22:17 > 1:22:22championship medallists. The men and women curling teams won medals in

1:22:22 > 1:22:29Sochi four years ago. They are the reigning Commonwealth champions and

1:22:29 > 1:22:37Elise Christie, the outstanding contender hoping to put the bitter

1:22:37 > 1:22:40disappointment of Sochi behind her. We wish them all well. We welcome

1:22:40 > 1:22:52Australia. Their flag bearer is Scotty James, the two time reigning

1:22:52 > 1:22:58snowboard champion and hoping to be Australia's first Snowboarding

1:22:58 > 1:23:04motherless. Austria have hosted the Winter Olympics twice in 1974 and 19

1:23:04 > 1:23:1286. The slalom superstar has won six championship titles. A win for him

1:23:12 > 1:23:20here would be one of the biggest stories of The Games. Anna Veith,

1:23:20 > 1:23:25gold in Sochi and followed it up with two gold medals including the

1:23:25 > 1:23:32super G title in America, is the flag bearer. Now, the Olympic

1:23:32 > 1:23:37athletes from Russia. So much talk about Russian involvement here of

1:23:37 > 1:23:41course and we will be hearing from the IOC president, Thomas Bach

1:23:41 > 1:23:50before too long.

1:23:50 > 1:23:55before too long. Amongst others, they do have some sensational figure

1:23:55 > 1:24:01skaters?They do, two young ladies fighting for a gold medal, in fact,

1:24:01 > 1:24:14three could be on the podium. Uzbekistan next. It is the first

1:24:14 > 1:24:22Olympic medal in 1994 when they got the gold in the inaugural women's

1:24:22 > 1:24:29aerials. She tried to telephone her parents, and officials had to tell

1:24:29 > 1:24:33her mother had died three weeks earlier. Her mother's wish was she

1:24:33 > 1:24:38shouldn't be told of her death until after the Olympic competition was

1:24:38 > 1:24:47finished. Ukraine, their flag bearer is part of Ukraine's relay team who

1:24:47 > 1:24:56won a surprise gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Of course, they

1:24:56 > 1:25:10won the gold in 1984 in Figure Skating?They did.

1:25:11 > 1:25:18Skating?They did.Athletes representing Iran.

1:25:18 > 1:25:25representing Iran. The cross-country skier is carrying the flag.

1:25:25 > 1:25:31skier is carrying the flag. Also the cross-country skier is returning for

1:25:31 > 1:25:36his third Winter Olympics. Italy next. Can it be 30 years ago in

1:25:36 > 1:25:43Calgary that the Italian skiing icon won the gold in the giant skiing

1:25:43 > 1:26:02slalom. He went on to get more in 1992 and 1994.

1:26:04 > 1:26:13Their flag bearer is only 15.

1:26:13 > 1:26:21British fans no doubt remember her 500 metre silver medal. She was

1:26:21 > 1:26:27upgraded to the silver medal after Elise Christie was disqualified.

1:26:27 > 1:26:40Israel. Another figure for Israel, the flag bearer.He had a phenomenal

1:26:40 > 1:26:45skate in the Team event this morning. Cat among the pigeons, this

1:26:45 > 1:26:51gentleman, with a potential medal here.

1:26:57 > 1:27:11India is next. This is an emotional athlete but there Luge athlete, who

1:27:11 > 1:27:15will be competing for the last time. He is delighted to finish his career

1:27:15 > 1:27:26in Asia. Only their tennis player with seven summer Olympics to his

1:27:26 > 1:27:32name has taken part in more competitions.

1:27:37 > 1:27:43Japan and ski jumper is carrying the flag. His appearance in the men's

1:27:43 > 1:27:48normal hill qualification last night was a record eighth Olympic

1:27:48 > 1:27:54appearance. He won silver and bronze in Sochi, a fine contribution to

1:27:54 > 1:28:06Japan's total of eight medals in Russia.

1:28:12 > 1:28:19The 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary saw Jamaica have a bobsleigh team

1:28:19 > 1:28:22and ended in tears after the four-man crew were disqualified

1:28:22 > 1:28:32after crashing on the third run. But it helped the making of the film

1:28:32 > 1:28:37Cool Running and 30 years on, they will be represented in the women's

1:28:37 > 1:28:43bobsleigh competition for the first time.

1:28:50 > 1:28:58Here we go with George and they will feature four athletes competing in

1:28:58 > 1:29:03Alpine Skiing, Figure Skating and the louche. It is figure skater

1:29:03 > 1:29:09Morisi Kvitelashvili who is holding the flag and competed for Russia

1:29:09 > 1:29:14until 2016 and now

1:29:15 > 1:29:24until 2016 and now trains alongside the Georgian athletes.Beijing, the

1:29:24 > 1:29:28first city to host the summer and Winter Olympics when they host the

1:29:28 > 1:29:35next games in 2022. China are next out and watch out for the

1:29:35 > 1:29:40snowboarder, who has won the last two world titles and could be

1:29:40 > 1:29:51arrival to the US sensation. The flag that China carried by the Short

1:29:51 > 1:29:57Track speed skater. Three-time gold medallist.

1:29:57 > 1:30:05medallist. The Czech Republic are next. Carrying their flag is the

1:30:05 > 1:30:10reigning Olympic snowboard cross champion, who is famous for her odd

1:30:10 > 1:30:15choice of race ritual, she often wears a moustache painted above her

1:30:15 > 1:30:23lip. At the last Olympics she opted for red, white and blue, the colours

1:30:23 > 1:30:33of the Czechoslovakian flag.

1:30:42 > 1:30:49Chile next and their flag bearer is Henrik von Appen who competed in

1:30:49 > 1:30:54four out of five events in Sochi four years ago. Also they have an

1:30:54 > 1:31:05Alpine Skiing who competed at the 2000 Olympics he was just 15 years

1:31:05 > 1:31:11and 80 days.

1:31:13 > 1:31:19Kazakhstan made their Games debut in 90 94 and they have one medal, which

1:31:19 > 1:31:25came in 2014. That competitor is not quite on form at the moment but he

1:31:25 > 1:31:33will be looking to try to get onto that podium somewhere.

1:31:33 > 1:31:39that podium somewhere. Their flag bearer is a short-track speed

1:31:39 > 1:31:45skater.

1:31:45 > 1:31:51skater. And another huge team, 226 Canadians. And we have joint

1:31:51 > 1:31:56flag-bearers, with Tessa virtue and Scott Moore, who came out of

1:31:56 > 1:32:00retirement to win a world title, and now, is now looking for their second

1:32:00 > 1:32:06Olympic gold, having won in Vancouver and taken silver in Sochi.

1:32:06 > 1:32:11And very popular they are, too. And I absolutely love to watch them on

1:32:11 > 1:32:16the ice. Along with the rest of their team-mates they will be

1:32:16 > 1:32:23looking to set up some old for team Canada.

1:32:23 > 1:32:28Canada.And they will be going for the gold in the bobsleigh is well.

1:32:28 > 1:32:33And here in Pyeongchang Canada are going to sing a gender neutral

1:32:33 > 1:32:44anthem for the first time. As we welcome Kenya. Their flag bearer is

1:32:44 > 1:32:49a 90-year-old who was born in Kenya but raised in Austria. She is

1:32:49 > 1:32:57competing in Alpine skiing events, which bucks the trend for

1:32:57 > 1:33:04competitors from the non-Alpine nations. Kosovo made their Olympic

1:33:04 > 1:33:14debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

1:33:15 > 1:33:20Their flag bearer is an Alpine skier.

1:33:29 > 1:33:34Colombia are competing in the Winter Olympics for only the second time.

1:33:34 > 1:33:38They only had one representative in Vancouver in 2010 and this time they

1:33:38 > 1:33:47have a squad of four, which includes a 42-year-old skier who only took up

1:33:47 > 1:33:52the sport in 2016 and has dreamed of appearing in the Games ever since he

1:33:52 > 1:33:57moved to Salt Lake City from Colombia in the year 2000. Korea's

1:33:57 > 1:34:09most successful Olympian is a Winter Olympics, roster next.

1:34:10 > 1:34:14Olympics, roster next. And four years later she added to her tally

1:34:14 > 1:34:25with gold and silver in Turin. Kurdistan won a pair of medals in

1:34:25 > 1:34:35Beijing. Want to watch here is Yevgeny Timufi, who was a

1:34:35 > 1:34:38last-minute call up after his team-mates suffered an injury during

1:34:38 > 1:34:46a training session.

1:34:46 > 1:34:49a training session. One of the areas you can ski in Cyprus is the slopes

1:34:49 > 1:34:55of Mount Olympus. And I'm sure this 22-year-old has been down those

1:34:55 > 1:35:01slopes a few times. The flag bearer here was presented with a

1:35:01 > 1:35:04scholarship by the IOC to help him prepare for events here in

1:35:04 > 1:35:13Pyeongchang. Chinese Taipei, a team of four.

1:35:13 > 1:35:19of four. A luge athlete carrying the flag.

1:35:20 > 1:35:34flag. Like the Indian... Thailand. Violinist Vanessa Mae infamously

1:35:34 > 1:35:41represented Thailand in the giant slalom in Sochi, finishing 67th but

1:35:41 > 1:35:45her result was wiped off the slate after it was found her qualifying

1:35:45 > 1:35:48results had been manipulative. She of course was cleared of any

1:35:48 > 1:35:53wrongdoing and tried to qualify for Pyeongchang but a shoulder injury

1:35:53 > 1:35:59ended those hopes. Turkey produces 75% of the world's hazelnuts! I

1:35:59 > 1:36:02could do with some of those right now, to be honest with you! They

1:36:02 > 1:36:11have some ice dancers to watch out for - any chances for those, Robin?

1:36:11 > 1:36:13And they have been creeping up in the world standings over the last

1:36:13 > 1:36:20couple of seasons. Lovely to watch, not going to be in bed all

1:36:20 > 1:36:24contention, but great competitors. The flag bearer for Togo is a

1:36:24 > 1:36:29cross-country skier. Back here having carried the flag in the

1:36:29 > 1:36:37Opening Ceremony in Togo's debut Games in Sochi four years ago. Next

1:36:37 > 1:36:53up, a very colourful character from Tonga, Fita Taufatoufoa. He was the

1:36:53 > 1:36:58shirtless Tongan who became an internet sensation in Rio when he

1:36:58 > 1:37:05was famously oiled up and bare-chested! I didn't think he

1:37:05 > 1:37:09would do it again, Robin!Well, here it is.The man has a style, doesn't

1:37:09 > 1:37:18he?! Pakistan has a sixth biggest population on the Earth. Their

1:37:18 > 1:37:22Winter Olympics record, of course, is virtually nonexistent. They have

1:37:22 > 1:37:24got two in their team in Pyeongchang, an Alpine skier

1:37:24 > 1:37:32carrying the flag. He is joined by his nephew, who is a cross-country

1:37:32 > 1:37:39skier, so uncle clawing rank over a nephew. -- pulling rank. Portugal

1:37:39 > 1:37:44have got two athletes. An Alpine skier and a cross-country skier

1:37:44 > 1:37:54carrying the flag.

1:37:55 > 1:38:03Here come Poland. Want to watch here will be there ski jumper, who jumped

1:38:03 > 1:38:10his way into Polish folklore in Sochi, Kamil Stock, by winning a

1:38:10 > 1:38:15pair of ski jumping gold is. The flag bearer is one of the few

1:38:15 > 1:38:19athletes to break the Dutch struggled on the sport in 2014, the

1:38:19 > 1:38:26Netherlands winning eight of 12 gold medals on offer. But they could not

1:38:26 > 1:38:35stop the Polish athlete in the individual 1500 metres event.

1:38:35 > 1:38:38individual 1500 metres event. Next, their Alpine skier is just 17 and he

1:38:38 > 1:38:42was inspired to take up winter sports when watching the Sochi Games

1:38:42 > 1:38:46four years ago. He was born in the states but moved to Puerto Rico when

1:38:46 > 1:38:51he was nine. Competed in the junior World Championships in Sweden last

1:38:51 > 1:39:01year. As we welcome France to the stage, worth remembering perhaps

1:39:01 > 1:39:05that a French city was one of the three candidates for these Games.

1:39:05 > 1:39:19Carrying the flag is there legendary biathlete Martin Foucade, who has

1:39:19 > 1:39:23won 11 titles during his career, the most recent of which came last year

1:39:23 > 1:39:35in the 12.5 kilometres pursuit. Next, Macedonia.

1:39:35 > 1:39:39Next, Macedonia. Team of three. The flag bearer is a cross-country

1:39:39 > 1:39:44skier, competed in the winter youth Olympic Games in 2016 and at the

1:39:44 > 1:39:49senior World Championships in Finland last year. He has competed

1:39:49 > 1:40:01in both biathlon and cross-country skiing at international level.

1:40:01 > 1:40:03skiing at international level. A real legend next for Finland,

1:40:03 > 1:40:16carrying the flag, competing in his seventh

1:40:16 > 1:40:22seventh Winter Olympics, Yanni Hanan.

1:40:24 > 1:40:26Hanan. They have collected more medals than anyone else since NHL

1:40:26 > 1:40:31players began competing.

1:40:31 > 1:40:36players began competing. Of course, not many NHL players allowed to

1:40:36 > 1:40:42participate this time around in the ice hockey.

1:40:51 > 1:41:0017-year-old Alpine skier competing for the Philippines. He carries the

1:41:00 > 1:41:05flag, and with him Michael Martinez, a figure skater who carried the flag

1:41:05 > 1:41:12for the Philippines in Sochi, where he finish 19th.He did, a fantastic

1:41:12 > 1:41:15performance, and he will be looking to improve on that here in

1:41:15 > 1:41:23Pyeongchang.For Hungary, they're next.

1:41:23 > 1:41:27next. Figure skating has delivered all six of their Winter Olympics

1:41:27 > 1:41:32Devils, the most recent of which came in Lake Placid, getting silver

1:41:32 > 1:41:41behind the Soviet Union in an incredibly tight contest.

1:41:41 > 1:41:43incredibly tight contest.I remember somebody else being in those Games!

1:41:43 > 1:41:53Can't think who! Hong Kong next. Their Alpine skier, for whom the

1:41:53 > 1:41:57Olympic sport runs in the family, her aunt represented China and Hong

1:41:57 > 1:42:04Kong in swimming at the Olympic aims in 1984 and her other aunt swam at

1:42:04 > 1:42:11the Asia Games in Hong Kong. Now, stand-by for the roar of the night.

1:42:11 > 1:42:18And a truly historic moment here in Pyeongchang. We welcome the children

1:42:18 > 1:42:20back from their time travels earlier. Much more from them,

1:42:20 > 1:42:34incidentally. The unified team, under the unified flag, of Korea.

1:42:36 > 1:42:42Joint flag bearers as well, from the north and the south. From the north,

1:42:42 > 1:42:53an I football player and from the South, a bobsleigh competitor. Hard,

1:42:53 > 1:42:57I suppose, Robin, to fully understand what this means two South

1:42:57 > 1:43:01Koreans, who some would argue are still very much at war...But there

1:43:01 > 1:43:08is nothing like sport, and it is almost a cliche but you see people

1:43:08 > 1:43:12who have one thing in common and that is a love of sport, which

1:43:12 > 1:43:16brings countries and nations and athletes together. Politics and

1:43:16 > 1:43:20religion out the window when it comes to sport - from the athletes,

1:43:20 > 1:43:28who perform from the heart. We were watching and being told people were

1:43:28 > 1:43:33sobbing in the audience, wanting to be here earlier to actually be

1:43:33 > 1:43:36around and to see this moment happened.

1:43:36 > 1:43:39ROBIN COUSINS: It is incredibly inspiring

1:43:39 > 1:43:42JOHN HUNT: Well, it has attracted some of the major players on the

1:43:42 > 1:43:49world political scene. Mike Pence, the United States Vice President, is

1:43:49 > 1:43:53here, and also, which some people can scarcely believe, is the sister

1:43:53 > 1:43:58of Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. She is here in the stadium

1:43:58 > 1:44:03tonight.

1:44:08 > 1:44:13JOHN HUNT: In terms of athletes, well, North Korea did not compete in

1:44:13 > 1:44:17Sochi four years ago but they have a 22 strong team, including figure

1:44:17 > 1:44:25skaters, Robin... ROBIN COUSINS: Who have an

1:44:25 > 1:44:29incredibly bright future ahead of them. They're around the top 15 in

1:44:29 > 1:44:33the world at the moment, they train in Montreal, they have a wonderful

1:44:33 > 1:44:39style, they have great commitment and camaraderie with their training

1:44:39 > 1:44:43mates and rivals, and have come pretty much out of nowhere. Nobody

1:44:43 > 1:44:46knew where they were training or where they came from but they really

1:44:46 > 1:44:50do have a lot of class and certainly deserve to be on the international

1:44:50 > 1:44:56stage and on the ice here in Pyeongchang.South Korea have one

1:44:56 > 1:44:59athlete who could have an interesting Games in the speed

1:44:59 > 1:45:07skating. The latest prodigy to roll off the South Korean production

1:45:07 > 1:45:11line, it is their sport, of course. And this young athlete has won at

1:45:11 > 1:45:18every distance this season.

1:45:18 > 1:45:26That is what is called making the most of your moment.

1:45:26 > 1:45:30most of your moment.They have been waiting backstage, sitting and

1:45:30 > 1:45:36rubbing their hands together, waiting for this moment. There is

1:45:36 > 1:45:42nothing like walking out into the stadium for the opening ceremony and

1:45:42 > 1:45:47feeling it between all the teams. All those athletes to do one thing

1:45:47 > 1:45:51and one thing only and that is to deliver the best results they can.I

1:45:51 > 1:46:00feel a little bit sorry for the four in the Greece team, who have been

1:46:00 > 1:46:08sitting in their seats for over an hour.Heated seats, I believe.Also,

1:46:08 > 1:46:20some of the teams have jackets with electric battery packs, to keep them

1:46:20 > 1:46:32warm.I have heard about them, I haven't seen them yet.

1:46:32 > 1:46:37haven't seen them yet. It is a sea of colour, athletes and different

1:46:37 > 1:46:45countries.A departure that the athletes, but business as usual

1:46:45 > 1:46:47tomorrow. There will be those sitting there who know they haven't

1:46:47 > 1:46:52got a chance but will be delighted just to be sitting there. There will

1:46:52 > 1:46:55be those in that crowd of athletes knowing this is their big chance to

1:46:55 > 1:47:03win the gold medal.There are a lot of great athletes, who don't get to

1:47:03 > 1:47:07experience this event because this should be part of the experience.

1:47:07 > 1:47:10But they are competing tomorrow morning on some of them have

1:47:10 > 1:47:17competed today already and they have jobs to be done.I do hope you are

1:47:17 > 1:47:24enjoying the opening ceremony here live from Pyeongchang, South Korea.

1:47:24 > 1:47:30The Winter Olympics 2018. A look now at the four seasons of Korea, the

1:47:30 > 1:47:35changing seasons, changing colours. It is quite barren in winter, aside

1:47:35 > 1:47:40from the mountain tops with snow on them. The summer here is supposed to

1:47:40 > 1:47:50be absolutely beautiful.

1:47:51 > 1:47:54be absolutely beautiful. Buckwheat, across the nation. Coming out now, a

1:47:54 > 1:48:03beautiful

1:48:04 > 1:48:24song called Arirang. Arirang will be sung by a 77-year-old.

1:48:30 > 1:48:37# Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo...

1:48:37 > 1:48:43# Arirang gogaero neomeoganda

1:48:43 > 1:48:48# Nareul beorigo gashineun nimeun

1:48:48 > 1:48:52# Shimrido motgaseo balbyeongnanda

1:48:52 > 1:49:00# Cheongcheonhaneuren janbyeoldo manko

1:49:10 > 1:49:18# Uri ne gaseumen huimangdo manta

1:50:04 > 1:50:12# Arirang gogaero neomeoganda

1:51:03 > 1:51:11CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

1:51:16 > 1:51:23Our five, intrepid time travellers, continued their journey. They are

1:51:23 > 1:51:32safely on their way to their next destination.

1:51:32 > 1:51:38destination. Here, in a future world, the five children see their

1:51:38 > 1:51:49future selves after they have realised their dreams.

1:51:56 > 1:52:13Through the glittering Gate. One is becoming a doctor.

1:52:26 > 1:52:37Nuri, has become an artificial intelligence specialist.

1:52:40 > 1:52:51And another one is a K pop star.

1:52:52 > 1:53:03Anne Dunham Urban simulation expert. -- and and.

1:53:04 > 1:53:18And finally, a teacher and holographic specialist.

1:53:24 > 1:53:28South Korea see themselves at the centre of what they refer to as the

1:53:28 > 1:53:36fourth Industrial Revolution. This gate is to play a prominent part in

1:53:36 > 1:53:41the next stage of the ceremony. Light emitting from the Gate to the

1:53:41 > 1:53:46Future expands and creates a new world. In that world everybody

1:53:46 > 1:53:52communicates and interacts freely with one another.

1:53:57 > 1:54:02with one another. And here, the next part of our ceremony. How much fun

1:54:02 > 1:54:09can you have with a doorway? This, the most exciting experience I am

1:54:09 > 1:54:23sure since Monsters Inc.

1:57:59 > 1:58:08JOHN HUNT: The image of a smiley face. The world of new technology.

1:58:56 > 1:59:02This is the theme of technical innovation. This is the link to the

1:59:02 > 1:59:08world. Messages are sent out to the world from the media link. The media

1:59:08 > 1:59:13link connects people and worlds. This media link continues with a

1:59:13 > 1:59:24step towards peace.

2:00:10 > 2:00:23APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

2:00:36 > 2:00:47timer for the speeches now. Thomas Bach from the IOC. He will give his

2:00:47 > 2:00:56speech to the Olympic community in a few moments. First to speak, though,

2:00:56 > 2:01:02is the president of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games committee. That is

2:01:02 > 2:01:08Thomas Bach.

2:01:11 > 2:01:21Thomas Bach. Little trip there, that would have been interesting!

2:01:21 > 2:01:26Probably been a bit awkward for Thomas Bach in the Balotelli over

2:01:26 > 2:01:29the last few weeks, with the Russian situation. Now, he's gone the wrong

2:01:29 > 2:01:38way. -- for Thomas Bach in reality. Would not want to be at their

2:01:38 > 2:01:45Christmas party, Robin!

2:01:45 > 2:01:55Lee Hee-beom...

2:02:00 > 2:02:03TRANSLATION: President Moon Jae-in and His First Lady of

2:02:03 > 2:02:05the Republic of Korea, IOC President Thomas Bach and the global

2:02:05 > 2:02:10Olympic Family Members, Excellencies, Majesties,

2:02:10 > 2:02:12Royal Highnesses, Distinguished Guests at home and abroad,

2:02:12 > 2:02:14Dear Athletes and Officials from all Participating NOC Delegations,

2:02:14 > 2:02:16Spectators, Ladies and Gentlemen...

2:02:16 > 2:02:21Nice to meet you, everyone!

2:02:21 > 2:02:23And my warm welcome to Pyeongchang 2018

2:02:23 > 2:02:31Olympic Winter Games!

2:02:52 > 2:03:00HE SPEAKS IN KOREAN

2:03:00 > 2:03:02TRANSLATION: Now we are facing the historic moments in our lifetime

2:03:02 > 2:03:04opening together the 23rd Olympic Winter Games

2:03:04 > 2:03:08in Pyeongchang 2018.

2:03:08 > 2:03:12Olympic Winter Games taking place on the Korean soil in 30 years

2:03:12 > 2:03:16following the Seoul 1988 Olympics are the biggest global winter

2:03:16 > 2:03:19festival participated by over 6,500 athletes and officials from 92

2:03:19 > 2:03:27National Olympic Committees.

2:03:28 > 2:03:31In 1948, Korean Athletes took part in the Winter Games held in St

2:03:31 > 2:03:34Moritz for the first time in the middle of the utterly

2:03:34 > 2:03:36disorganized situation with the Korean Government not yet

2:03:36 > 2:03:44formally established.

2:03:51 > 2:03:55Sport has a great power to unite people and bring together the world

2:03:55 > 2:03:56in harmony and peace transcending disputes and conflicts.

2:03:56 > 2:03:59Pyongchang Games, I am confident, will provide a light of hope

2:03:59 > 2:04:03for all global citizens yearning for peace on this planet.

2:04:03 > 2:04:08In order for the Pyeongchang Games to serve as a truly Global Festival

2:04:08 > 2:04:10of Peace and Harmony, we would like to light the fire

2:04:10 > 2:04:18of Pyeongchang Olympic Flame.

2:04:23 > 2:04:27Dear Athletes and Delegations, As Baron de Pierre Coubertin,

2:04:27 > 2:04:30a renovator of modern Olympic Games, once mentioned, "The most important

2:04:30 > 2:04:34thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part,

2:04:34 > 2:04:38just as the most important thing in life is not

2:04:38 > 2:04:42the triumph but the struggle."

2:04:42 > 2:04:47It is my ardent wish that you keep that in mind.

2:04:47 > 2:04:50All of you stand on this Olympic stage, which means a global

2:04:50 > 2:04:54confirmation that you are already Winners and Heroes.

2:04:54 > 2:04:59I say to all the athletes gathered here today

2:04:59 > 2:05:03from all around the world -

2:05:03 > 2:05:06please enjoy these Games in Pyeongchang, and play the Game,

2:05:06 > 2:05:08"Faster, Higher, Stronger", thus writing a new

2:05:08 > 2:05:14chapter in history.

2:05:14 > 2:05:17Dear global Olympic Family members...

2:05:17 > 2:05:25During your stay in Korea,

2:05:31 > 2:05:33please also show respect and warm encouragement not only

2:05:33 > 2:05:36to the winners but also to the other athletes who embrace each other

2:05:36 > 2:05:38regardless of the results of the competitions.

2:05:38 > 2:05:41Beyond "New Horizons" of Pyeongchang 2018,

2:05:41 > 2:05:45I ask you to come together for the Olympics' Asia Era, equally

2:05:45 > 2:05:48to be highlighted by Tokyo 2020 and Beijing in 2022.

2:05:48 > 2:05:49Thank you very much.

2:05:49 > 2:05:51Now, let me invite IOC President Thomas Bach to deliver

2:05:51 > 2:05:52a congratulatory message.

2:05:52 > 2:05:55Please welcome him with a round of warm applause.

2:05:55 > 2:06:03APPLAUSE

2:06:20 > 2:06:28Dear Olympic friends around the world...

2:06:28 > 2:06:36HE SPEAKS IN FRENCH

2:06:46 > 2:06:53Welcome to the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018.

2:06:53 > 2:07:01APPLAUSE

2:07:03 > 2:07:07This is the moment that we all have been waiting for, the first Olympic

2:07:07 > 2:07:16Games on snow and ice in the Republic of Korea. This is their

2:07:16 > 2:07:21moment that the Organizing Committee, the public authorities

2:07:21 > 2:07:25and so many Korean people have been working for with great dedication

2:07:25 > 2:07:34and commitment. You all can be very proud tonight. Now is the time for

2:07:34 > 2:07:47Pyeongchang. APPLAUSE AND CHEERING thank you to everyone who has made

2:07:47 > 2:07:53this moment possible. A special thanks goes to the thousands of

2:07:53 > 2:08:02volunteers who have welcome us so warmly.

2:08:02 > 2:08:05HE SPEAKS KOREAN

2:08:05 > 2:08:11APPLAUSE

2:08:11 > 2:08:19Dear athletes, now it is your turn. This will be the competition of your

2:08:19 > 2:08:24life. Over the next days, the world will be looking to you for

2:08:24 > 2:08:31inspiration. You will inspire us all to live together in peace and

2:08:31 > 2:08:39harmony. Despite all the differences we have. You will inspire us by

2:08:39 > 2:08:45competing for the highest honour in the Olympic spirit of excellence,

2:08:45 > 2:08:51respect and fair play.

2:08:51 > 2:08:56respect and fair play. You can only really enjoy your Olympic

2:08:56 > 2:09:03performance if you respect the rules, and stay clean. Only then

2:09:03 > 2:09:10will your lifelong memories all Mac the memories of a true and worthy

2:09:10 > 2:09:14Olympian.

2:09:14 > 2:09:21APPLAUSE

2:09:21 > 2:09:27While you compete with each other, you live peacefully together in the

2:09:27 > 2:09:33Olympic Village, respecting the same rules, sharing your meals and your

2:09:33 > 2:09:41emotions with your fellow athletes. This is how you show that in sport,

2:09:41 > 2:09:49we are all equal. This is how you show the unique power of sport to

2:09:49 > 2:09:58unite people. A great example of this unifying power is the joint

2:09:58 > 2:10:04march here tonight of the two teams from the national Olympic Committees

2:10:04 > 2:10:08of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People Through Up A Of

2:10:08 > 2:10:18Korea. We thank you! -- the democratic people's Republic of

2:10:18 > 2:10:22Korea. All the athletes around me, all the spectators here in the

2:10:22 > 2:10:30stadium, and all Olympic fans watching around the world we are all

2:10:30 > 2:10:37touched by this wonderful gesture. We all join and support you in your

2:10:37 > 2:10:45message of peace, united in our diversity, we are stronger than all

2:10:45 > 2:10:56the forces that want to divide us. Two years ago in Rio, with the first

2:10:56 > 2:11:04ever refugee Olympic team, the IOC sent a powerful message of hope to

2:11:04 > 2:11:13the world. Now, in Pyeongchang,

2:11:13 > 2:11:15the world. Now, in Pyeongchang, the athletes from the two Koreas, by

2:11:15 > 2:11:22marching together, send a powerful message of peace to the world.

2:11:22 > 2:11:29APPLAUSE

2:11:29 > 2:11:38Let us share this Olympic experience with the world.

2:11:41 > 2:11:46HE SPEAKS KOREAN

2:11:46 > 2:11:52And the now, I have the honour of infighting the president of the

2:11:52 > 2:12:02Republic of Korea, his Excellency Moon Jae-in, to declare open the

2:12:02 > 2:12:1123rd Olympic Winter Games, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea.

2:12:19 > 2:12:24HE SPEAKS KOREAN

2:12:24 > 2:12:32APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

2:12:35 > 2:12:38JOHN HUNT: Thomas Bach from the IOC talking about respect and fair play,

2:12:38 > 2:12:44respect the rules and stay clean, he said, what did you make of that,

2:12:44 > 2:12:50Robin?Perfection! As an athlete it is what you do strive for, for the

2:12:50 > 2:12:54most part. I think there will always be those who will try to get around

2:12:54 > 2:13:00the rules, but you will always be found out. This is a fantastic

2:13:00 > 2:13:02moment for athletes from around the world to be able to come together

2:13:02 > 2:13:08and all Mac united.Heading to the conclusion, of course, of our

2:13:08 > 2:13:18Opening Ceremony. The flame is to be lit in about 15-20 minutes, as we

2:13:18 > 2:13:25move onto a section hauled he is in motion, who our five intrepid

2:13:25 > 2:13:30explorers again, with candlelight, candlelight and water, a traditional

2:13:30 > 2:13:34sign of peace here in Korea. The children will pass their candlelight

2:13:34 > 2:13:43to a family, and then the light is passed to everybody on the stage.

2:13:44 > 2:13:49passed to everybody on the stage. In keeping with Korea's vision of a

2:13:49 > 2:13:58fine technological future, these candles are

2:13:58 > 2:14:00candles are controlled by 5G wireless technology, used for the

2:14:00 > 2:14:03first time ever hear.

2:14:12 > 2:14:16# Imagine there's no heaven

2:14:16 > 2:14:21# It's easy if you try

2:14:21 > 2:14:27# No hell below us

2:14:27 > 2:14:33# Above us only sky

2:14:33 > 2:14:39# Imagine all the people

2:14:39 > 2:14:45# Living for today

2:14:45 > 2:14:51# Aha-ah...

2:14:51 > 2:14:57# Imagine there's no countries

2:14:57 > 2:15:04# It isn't hard to do

2:15:04 > 2:15:09# Nothing to kill or die for

2:15:09 > 2:15:17# And no religion, too

2:15:17 > 2:15:22# Imagine all the people

2:15:22 > 2:15:28# Living life in peace

2:15:28 > 2:15:30# You...

2:15:30 > 2:15:36# You may say I'm a dreamer

2:15:36 > 2:15:42# But I'm not the only one

2:15:42 > 2:15:49# I hope someday you'll join us

2:15:49 > 2:15:56# And the world will be as one

2:15:56 > 2:16:02# Imagine no possessions

2:16:02 > 2:16:07# I wonder if you can

2:16:07 > 2:16:13# No need for greed or hunger

2:16:13 > 2:16:19# A brotherhood of man

2:16:19 > 2:16:26# Imagine all the people

2:16:26 > 2:16:33# Sharing all the world

2:16:33 > 2:16:37# You...

2:16:37 > 2:16:39# You may say I'm a dreamer

2:16:39 > 2:16:47# But I'm not the only one

2:16:48 > 2:16:50# I hope someday you'll join us

2:16:50 > 2:16:58# And the world will live as one

2:17:05 > 2:17:09# You may say I'm a dreamer

2:17:09 > 2:17:15# But I'm not the only one

2:17:15 > 2:17:22# I hope someday you'll join us

2:17:26 > 2:17:34# And the world will live as one. #

2:17:34 > 2:17:36# You may say I'm a dreamer

2:17:36 > 2:17:41# But I'm not the only one

2:17:41 > 2:17:49# I hope someday you'll join us

2:17:51 > 2:17:59# And the world will live as one. #

2:18:15 > 2:18:19John

2:18:30 > 2:18:41JOHN HUNT: The children release the doves.

2:18:42 > 2:18:53We move on to the Olympic rings. This has been pretty much top secret

2:18:53 > 2:19:02how they do this, just one aspect of the ceremony they did not want

2:19:02 > 2:19:09anybody to be aware of. The use of augmented reality again.

2:19:29 > 2:19:37100 skiers and lights from the drones raced down to show the

2:19:37 > 2:19:49existence of humans and technology in the future.

2:20:56 > 2:21:01The score from the British judge for artistic impression?I am waiting

2:21:01 > 2:21:08for the big finish. There has to be a big finish.And now, the

2:21:08 > 2:21:17presentation of the Olympic flag. Again, carried by eight famous

2:21:17 > 2:21:23sporting figures.

2:21:23 > 2:21:26sporting figures. But as well as some veterans, some youngsters as

2:21:26 > 2:21:35well.

2:21:35 > 2:21:43well. Cross-Country Skiing, dedicated his entire life to Nordic

2:21:43 > 2:21:59skiing. What a moment for the 13-year-old figure skater.

2:21:59 > 2:22:0513-year-old figure skater. Has surpassed the previous record set by

2:22:05 > 2:22:11Kim Yu-na.

2:22:22 > 2:22:31Scary to think she was in Lake Placid with you, Robin?Yes she was.

2:22:31 > 2:22:4015-year-old ice hockey player. Member of the consonantal hockey

2:22:40 > 2:22:45league in Russia.

2:22:45 > 2:22:51league in Russia. Speed skater, now 44 years old, winner of the world

2:22:51 > 2:22:58speed skater sprint championships and coach of the Korean national

2:22:58 > 2:23:08team in salt lake city in 2002. Another youngster, a skier, just 16

2:23:08 > 2:23:21years old. Representing in fact, Snowboarding.

2:23:26 > 2:23:34Participants in Innsbruck in 1976, now 66. And before that in 1968 at

2:23:34 > 2:23:46the Winter games in Grenoble.

2:23:58 > 2:24:09As they walk, the ice follows them around the stage.

2:24:48 > 2:24:56We have had some contrast Inc music tonight.

2:24:57 > 2:25:06tonight. But now, the Olympic Anthem and I promise, this is pretty

2:25:06 > 2:25:16special.

2:25:39 > 2:25:47SHE SINGS IN KOREAN

2:28:20 > 2:28:35JOHN HUNT: Powerful with the Olympic Anthem. Now, as tradition dictates,

2:28:35 > 2:28:44the Olympic oath. Three representatives

2:28:45 > 2:28:53representatives representing athletes, judges and coaches here.

2:28:53 > 2:28:58Athletes from speed skating. One of the judges from Snowboarding and

2:28:58 > 2:29:07slope style. And the coach is from skiing and Nordic Combined. The

2:29:07 > 2:29:19three together will take the suggestion of Olympic oath.

2:30:08 > 2:30:16HE SPEAKS KOREAN

2:30:20 > 2:30:28APPLAUSE

2:30:33 > 2:30:41JOHN HUNT: We now look back on the Torch Relay, the journey from the

2:30:41 > 2:30:47airport to Pyeongchang lasted 101 days. Felt like my cab drive here

2:30:47 > 2:30:55seven days ago! It has travelled 2018 kilometres, and along the way,

2:30:55 > 2:31:027500 torchbearers, the number chosen to depict the 75 million people who

2:31:02 > 2:31:09live in Korea. The flame was predominantly transported by bike to

2:31:09 > 2:31:14symbolise the harmony of two wheels working together. And among the

2:31:14 > 2:31:22torchbearers along the way, the famous tae kwon do player who won

2:31:22 > 2:31:29silver and bronze in London 2012 and Rio 2016 as well. One torch bearer

2:31:29 > 2:31:43even carried it...

2:31:46 > 2:31:58Carried it one-handed with a trout in the other.

2:31:58 > 2:32:08Quite some journey!

2:32:40 > 2:32:48MUSIC: Let Everyone Shine

2:33:02 > 2:33:11Nearing the climax of our evening now.

2:33:11 > 2:33:23now. The lighting of the Olympic Flame.Ladies and gentlemen, the

2:33:23 > 2:33:35Olympic Flame is entering the stadium...The Olympic Flame enters

2:33:35 > 2:33:47the stadium, carried by double Olympic champion Chun Lee-kyung.

2:33:47 > 2:33:54Five Chun Lee-kyung medals in total.

2:34:09 > 2:34:22Chun Lee-kyung hands over to Park In-bee, pranked in first place in

2:34:22 > 2:34:29the world of Olympic Rings for 56 weeks in a row and the reigning

2:34:29 > 2:34:40champion from Rio 2016. -- from the world of golf.

2:34:42 > 2:34:49world of golf. This is the footballer who played in three World

2:34:49 > 2:34:55Cups for

2:34:55 > 2:35:01Cups for South Korea, Ahn Jung-hwan, the scorer of a famous old and goal

2:35:01 > 2:35:08in 2002, a big goal for Korea at the time, helping them to beat Italy. --

2:35:08 > 2:35:16golden goal.

2:35:28 > 2:35:36The theme of unity continues, as both North Korea and Macron South

2:35:36 > 2:35:41Korea are represented.

2:35:43 > 2:35:53Korea are represented. From the South, Park Jong Ah, and from North

2:35:53 > 2:35:59Korea's ice hockey team, Jong Su Hyon.

2:36:28 > 2:36:33Again, the details of the lighting of the Olympic Flame, one of the

2:36:33 > 2:36:44hottest secrets in town.

2:36:44 > 2:36:54Jong Su Hyon and Park Jong Ah climb together.

2:37:32 > 2:37:41And now, it had to be... Gold medallist in Vancouver, silver

2:37:41 > 2:37:52medallist in Sochi.

2:37:55 > 2:37:58And turned this country on its head, one of the most revered athletes

2:37:58 > 2:38:00this country has ever produced, Kim Yu-na.

2:38:00 > 2:38:08ROBIN COUSINS: And she is so charming and so lovely. It was a big

2:38:08 > 2:38:12disappointment for many fans, she skated beautifully but was not given

2:38:12 > 2:38:19the gold.

2:38:20 > 2:38:27the gold.A perfect choice, Robin? They both skated brilliantly, the

2:38:27 > 2:38:34judges made their decision... I was in the Kim Yu-na camp!And a perfect

2:38:34 > 2:38:41choice for this role?I think so, absolutely.

2:38:41 > 2:38:50absolutely. She is superstar in this country.

2:39:37 > 2:39:41Always a tremendously emotional moment I suppose, Robin, for any

2:39:41 > 2:39:50athlete?Indeed, I was fortunate enough to carry the torch during the

2:39:50 > 2:39:58relay, but to be a part of it, and for the audience, this is now

2:39:58 > 2:40:06reality, the torch has been lit, and the Games hasn't now officially

2:40:06 > 2:40:11open.

2:40:12 > 2:40:16open. And it will never cease to give you an emotional connection,

2:40:16 > 2:40:20especially if you have been fortunate enough to be a part of the

2:40:20 > 2:40:26Games as a participant.We are not quite over yet, though. Welcome to

2:40:26 > 2:40:37the Dokkaebi. These are the dancers dressed as Dokkaebi.

2:40:38 > 2:40:42dressed as Dokkaebi. Dokkaebi live in the forest of Gangwon Province,

2:40:42 > 2:40:49they're curious, fun loving pranksters who love music and dance

2:40:49 > 2:40:54and bring blessing and excitement to people. Here today, they deliver the

2:40:54 > 2:41:00energy of the Olympic Flame to the watching world.

2:42:38 > 2:42:46MUSIC CONTINUES

2:43:17 > 2:43:25DRUMS BEAT

2:43:53 > 2:44:01MUSIC CHANGES TEMPO

2:46:44 > 2:46:51JOHN HUNT: Quite a climax to the Olympic ceremony. The Games is

2:46:51 > 2:46:57officially open. Robin Cousins, how did you enjoy that?I loved it, I am

2:46:57 > 2:47:02a big firework fan and that finale was phenomenal.They spent much less

2:47:02 > 2:47:08money on this than they did in Sochi, but better than Sochi for

2:47:08 > 2:47:14you?I don't remember too much about Sochi, I remember it being indoors

2:47:14 > 2:47:18and some special effects. I just think the position of the ceremony

2:47:18 > 2:47:23and the delicacy everything was laid out, so beautifully. Nothing too

2:47:23 > 2:47:27frantic, great dancing and I thought it was very classy.Robin, thank you

2:47:27 > 2:47:32very much, enjoy your fortnight. Thanks ever so much for watching and

2:47:32 > 2:47:37I hope you enjoyed it at home. Big thanks to Tom Reynolds, who did so

2:47:37 > 2:47:43much behind-the-scenes to make it a successful England. Good night from

2:47:43 > 2:47:48Pyeongchang, enjoy The Games. CLARE BALDING: Thank you to John and

2:47:48 > 2:47:56Robin on an emotional ceremony that was quite emotional in some parts,

2:47:56 > 2:48:02Kim Yu-na who lit the cauldron with tears in her eyes. Great way to kick

2:48:02 > 2:48:07off The Games, we have great coverage across the BBC over the 17

2:48:07 > 2:48:12days. Every night at 7pm on BBC Two we will bring you all the

2:48:12 > 2:48:18highlights. If you want to stay up into the early hours get and watch

2:48:18 > 2:48:22through the morning, you can do that. Snowboarding live tomorrow

2:48:22 > 2:48:28morning at 1am and that will be the first sport you see live. Jamie

2:48:28 > 2:48:33Nicholls and Billy Morgan. Elise Christie is in qualifying action at

2:48:33 > 2:48:3610:44am tomorrow morning in the short track event. She will be

2:48:36 > 2:48:44wearing number one on her helmet. Then the Cross-Country Skiing team,

2:48:44 > 2:48:51first models will come in that and today at The Games, 7pm. Plenty of

2:48:51 > 2:48:59other sports on the BBC this weekend. Football focus and much of

2:48:59 > 2:49:04the day, highlights including the North London derby. The six Nations

2:49:04 > 2:49:16continue with Scotland against France is live on BBC One on Sunday.

2:49:16 > 2:49:26Chemmy Alcott, Amy Williams have been with me, I do love it.It is

2:49:26 > 2:49:32amazing, I am excited. Just the magic of the Olympics sums it up

2:49:32 > 2:49:37with the athletes coming in, looking at the joy on their faces, all those

2:49:37 > 2:49:44years of hard work, it dawns on you, I am at the Olympics! I was so lucky

2:49:44 > 2:49:49to be in Korea and carried the flame for my 200 metres. I have the torch

2:49:49 > 2:49:55back at home. To see it there, it was...A lot of people have noticed

2:49:55 > 2:49:58your necklace, which is this, do you remember in Vancouver on the

2:49:58 > 2:50:07mountain, there was the big, sort of stone thing, which is your necklace.

2:50:07 > 2:50:13Yes, I have my tattoo as well, my husband made this for me. I have all

2:50:13 > 2:50:23my race times. I am glad people have noticed it.

2:50:23 > 2:50:27noticed it.Let's have a look back at some of the highlights from the

2:50:27 > 2:50:34opening ceremony. It was, I think, wonderful from beginning to end.

2:50:34 > 2:50:38Moments of comedy, drama but Robin Cousins said about the position of

2:50:38 > 2:50:44it. And the White Tiger, in a warhorse puppetry moments, starting

2:50:44 > 2:50:49this animation of the mountain ranges. I thought that was

2:50:49 > 2:50:53sensational. South Korea is the digital hub of the world so there

2:50:53 > 2:50:57was some high-tech stuff. The lighting was brilliant. All of these

2:50:57 > 2:51:01drummers, all women and an amazing show of power, the rhythm and the

2:51:01 > 2:51:06beat of it.

2:51:07 > 2:51:14beat of it.Look at that time in, it takes hours and hours of practice.

2:51:14 > 2:51:19Beijing drummers were huge, London 2012, drumming session. And the

2:51:19 > 2:51:24transformation into the ying and yang of the South Korean flag was

2:51:24 > 2:51:27stunning.We said we wanted a slow motion about because we couldn't

2:51:27 > 2:51:36work out how they did it.The rendition of Imagine was different.

2:51:36 > 2:51:41But we loved the dove that appeared and Thomas Bach said it in his

2:51:41 > 2:51:44speech, the message of peace and unity and bat is central to these

2:51:44 > 2:51:52games. And honestly, Kim Yu-na, wonderful ice skater, now retired

2:51:52 > 2:51:57got the honour of lighting the flame. I did feel for the two

2:51:57 > 2:52:03athletes that had to go all the way up the steps. A giant spring will

2:52:03 > 2:52:10come out of those icicles and make its wake up to a big bowl. The

2:52:10 > 2:52:20cauldron lights. There will be a torch as

2:52:20 > 2:52:26torch as well at IBC, that mountain range. Huge cheer the Nigeria, they

2:52:26 > 2:52:31make their Winter Olympics debut in the Bobsled. It is great to see so

2:52:31 > 2:52:33many countries competing and not from the traditional mountain

2:52:33 > 2:52:38regions.

2:52:38 > 2:52:42regions. Really good outfits, they got our votes. Only one outfit to

2:52:42 > 2:52:57top this.Less is more.This is Bermuda,

2:52:57 > 2:53:02Bermuda, Tucker Murphy. We thought that was brave until we saw Tonga.

2:53:02 > 2:53:10He has done that summer and winter Olympics consecutively like that.

2:53:10 > 2:53:17The Olympic athletes from Russia and, they are the clean athletes,

2:53:17 > 2:53:22they have passed tests and been regularly tested. They are the ones

2:53:22 > 2:53:27we can respect. Lizzy Yarnold, coming out ahead of the Team GB

2:53:27 > 2:53:37athletes, who were having fun. Good kit.Very good kit.She got into it

2:53:37 > 2:53:45as well. Let's go for it.The United Korean team, one flag carried by an

2:53:45 > 2:53:50athlete from the south and one from the north. It sends a bigger message

2:53:50 > 2:53:56where sport can have a bigger impact outside winning and losing races.It

2:53:56 > 2:54:01says it all, it is about friendships, competing with your

2:54:01 > 2:54:05fellow team-mates. Some of your closest friends in sport are from

2:54:05 > 2:54:10different nations and countries. When I won, it was two Germans

2:54:10 > 2:54:15either side and make an BATE are your best mates. You are happy to

2:54:15 > 2:54:24congratulate them.Some athletes chose not to go or couldn't go to

2:54:24 > 2:54:28the opening ceremony. Your former team-mates, John Sun Yue a photo.

2:54:28 > 2:54:40The short track speed racer is watching. That doesn't look tasty.

2:54:40 > 2:54:43Looks like they are enjoying themselves so fingers crossed it

2:54:43 > 2:54:48will be all got tomorrow.And Elise Christie, who would beat our leading

2:54:48 > 2:54:54hope of a multi-motherless, her competition starts tomorrow. She is

2:54:54 > 2:55:02in three different events, hoping, as we all are, this can be her time.

2:55:02 > 2:55:12When I am on the ice, I am free. Speed, movement, power. On the edge,

2:55:12 > 2:55:20never fully in control, no one ever can be. The disqualification in

2:55:20 > 2:55:25Sochi hurts. Not as much as the death threats and the bullying that

2:55:25 > 2:55:34came with it. Lot of abuse over the Internet and stuff.

2:55:34 > 2:55:39Internet and stuff. I thought about never skating again. It took me two

2:55:39 > 2:55:45years to get over that. It made me suffer than I ever thought I could

2:55:45 > 2:55:59be. -- tougher. I thought, I can do this. I will do this.

2:55:59 > 2:56:04this. I will do this. I am not scared.Elise Christie aiming to

2:56:04 > 2:56:12become the first British woman...I am ready but the spotlight.It is

2:56:12 > 2:56:19going to be tight, she has done it, she is the world champion. Elise

2:56:19 > 2:56:22Christie. Here comes a Elise Christie on the inside. It is

2:56:22 > 2:56:30another gold medal.Proving something to the world. One gold

2:56:30 > 2:56:35medal, two gold medals, three gold medals. When something breaks your

2:56:35 > 2:56:42heart, it takes awhile to love it again. But I smiling now.And she is

2:56:42 > 2:56:46ready to go through it, isn't she John?I am so happy she is in a

2:56:46 > 2:56:49great place and I am looking forward to watching her and hopefully seen

2:56:49 > 2:56:55her smile on top of the podium. Let's look at your Olympic

2:56:55 > 2:57:01predictions for the British athletes. They have made their

2:57:01 > 2:57:06predictions.

2:57:08 > 2:57:11predictions. Chemmy Alcott, three gold medals, four silver medals and

2:57:11 > 2:57:18three bronze medals?Yes, I am very optimistic, when you get an early

2:57:18 > 2:57:22victory or medal in the Olympics it channels the positive energy to the

2:57:22 > 2:57:26rest of the team. I have gone quite high, it is winter sports and you

2:57:26 > 2:57:31have to take the risk. A few of them might not come out, but I believe in

2:57:31 > 2:57:37them.John, you are going high as well, four gold medals, for bronze

2:57:37 > 2:57:45medals, eight in total.I can see Elise Christie performing well and I

2:57:45 > 2:57:51would like to see Lizzy Yarnold become the double Olympic champion.

2:57:51 > 2:57:57Amy, presumably she is one of your predictions?Yes, Laura Deas, the

2:57:57 > 2:58:01underdog of the skeleton. She has been ranked fifth in the world the

2:58:01 > 2:58:08whole season and I think she has a quicker start than Lizzy Yarnold. It

2:58:08 > 2:58:14is a starter track and I am not ruling her out.The underdog in

2:58:14 > 2:58:17Vancouver, could Laura Deas be the one who comes through in skeleton?

2:58:17 > 2:58:24The action starts tonight from 1am onwards and we will have highlights

2:58:24 > 2:58:38of the opening ceremony at 7pm but from all the team, for now, goodbye.